Ergo, the Ogre

All the Pretty People

This week at Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle has chosen the above image © J Hardy Carroll, as our 100-word writing prompt.

The popular kids hung out at Rockin’ Roger’s: football players, cheerleaders — all the pretty people. Rhonda was none of the above and didn’t frequent Rockin’ Roger’s. Even if she were one of the popular kids, she wouldn’t have gone. She saw those kids all day at school. Who wants to hang out with them afterward? A little pretty went a long way in Rhonda’s opinion.

The pretty people loved Rockin’ Roger, always cracking jokes, laughing and friendly. They thought he was the ‘cat’s ass.’

They didn’t know Rhonda’s stepfather (the cat’s asshole) like she did.

She hid the bruises well.

Ergo, the Ogre
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13 responses to “All the Pretty People”

  1. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    I think the charismatic shiny surface abusers are probably the worst. Great story, Susan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Lisa! I agree.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. msjadeli Avatar
        msjadeli

        You’re welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Well hell… ain’t that a story behind a story!
    We; done, Phyllis!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thanks, Dale. But I’m Susan. :-)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        So sorry, Susan. My computer blipped and I ended up on the wrong blog! (I better go check Phyllis’ blog to see if my comment landed there, too!)

        So… lemme start this again because that comment did NOT fit here:

        This story had so many layers. And I hope Rhonda finds a way to get away from the asshole.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. The Abject Muse Avatar
        The Abject Muse

        That’s okay, Dale. Stuff happens. In any case, glad you enjoyed! :-)

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        I just hate when I do that, though…
        Thank you!

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Anthony North Avatar
    Anthony North

    Such a common scenario perfectly handled. Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Anthony. :-)

      Like

      Reply
  4. michaelwynnauthor Avatar
    michaelwynnauthor

    Well done, Susan. You’ve done a great job of illustrating silent suffering

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Michael. :-)

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  5. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    The last 18 years of my working life, before retiring last August, often introduced me to victims like Rhonda. A sad story indeed, and one that makes me want to go find the perpetrators and do a little payback.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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