Microfiction

Girls’ night

Not to brag, but I got one of the first ChronoCars in 2035. For two years my girlfriends and I have been adventuring through history, meeting up on Fridays to show off our prizes. Amelia stole Napoleon’s coat! I realized our money went so much further when traveling and us clever ChronoCar-ers should go shopping. In 1929 I found the most decadent Art Deco pendant. When I brought it to girls’ night I expected them to be a bit jealous, but Evelyn Rothke took one look and said “I don’t care about things, I want to better myself.” We all thought she meant taking a painting class but then she showed up the next Friday with a new nose.

It was perfectly sloped, the end tilted just right. “Dr. Nozath in 1995. She’s amazing and going to do all the 2000s celebrities.” All the girls fawned over Evelyn, asking for tips on how to time-search surgeons. “Start small- Clinica Boca 2001. They replaced my mouth with implants. Who knows where they get the teeth from, but I have a youthful smile!” She laughed and the girls swooned, but I knew she was just trying to one-up me. My necklace came from a banker’s wife, and all she got was orphan teeth.

  I went to 2019 and had my cheekbones angled. It hurt, but the look on Evelyn’s face was worth it. “Lara, are you sure you’re okay?” She was seething at how pointy I had become. 

Then last Friday she sashayed in with an actual emerald implanted into her forehead! “Dr. Jenkins, London 2055,” she sighed, “you just can’t find magicians like that now. Isn’t it divine?” Surely everyone could tell how desperate she was. Always trying to be liked, that Evelyn. I saw Roberta at school pickup with a bandage on her head, but I could tell there was a ruby under there. It’s sad, really. People can be so shallow.

Tonight is my biggest reveal. I’m teetering on the edge of my marble bathtub and gently unwrapping the bandages from either side of my head. They are still tender, but seem to be healing well. These are all the rage in 2190- I saw it for myself. Money goes further in the past, but not so far in the future. I sold my pendant, my handbags, and my son to pay for the procedure. Liam will be happy with his new family in 1889, and I won’t miss school pickup.

The girls will be so impressed they’ll gasp, “How did you get a full rack of antlers?” and I’ll flutter shyly and say “My Robert’s had a successful year.”

Gliding my fingers up the sides I can feel the points. Six on each- I paid extra. They span three feet, so standing up throws me off balance. I steady myself, smooth out my skirt and smile confidently. I turn to get through the bathroom doorway so they don’t bump the edges.

I can’t wait to see Evelyn’s face.