Lots of discussion and several good stories but overwhelmingly Pat's was chosen as the best.

Next month at Sue's

The Text

The Spider's Web

It was Lorraine's first day at work. She was sixteen and had managed to get a Saturday job at the local shop, Jenkins. She had also negotiated a Saturday off for her sister's wedding the following month. Being shy, this was a major step for her.

Her supervisor showed her around and introduced her to her workmates. Oh, she felt so grown up. During the lunch breaks they were one short, so they had to be on their toes as Jenkins was well know for its excellent customer service. Lorraine's department sold beautiful costume jewellery and expensive watches.

While paying close attention as a sales lady showed watches to a young man, she saw him pick up two but only return one. Lorraine couldn't believe her eyes. At that moment he looked directly at her with a grin on his face. Then he said he was going to walk around and think about it, She was shaking...had he really stolen it? Going over to the saleslady she asked if everything was alright, but then another customer wanted her attention so they were unable to speak. Turning back, she froze as she came face to face with the young man. He whispered in her ear " If you say anything I will be waiting for you tonight". He had that silly smile on his face which by now, she found terrifying.

At home her mother and sister thought she was rather quiet, but put it down to the new job. Besides they were consumed with the wedding plans. Lorraine said nothing and began to doubt herself. Had it really happened?

The wedding day dawned and it was a lovely soft English summer day. She was happy in her fashionable bridesmaids dress and had perked up considerably. Her sister and new husband looked radiant, the meal was delicious, then the floor was cleared for dancing. It was all so wonderful. Later, extra guests appeared and, to Lorraine's horror, there was the "watchman". He must be a friend of her new broth-in-law. Lorraine shrank into herself, eyeing him with his lady friend from a distance. A little later she noticed the girlfriend go towards the ladies room and quickly followed not quite knowing why. The girl was combing her hair and the light caught the watch on her wrist. Lorraine said " oh, what a lovely watch, we sell those where I work" "Yes isn't it," the girl said " my boyfriend bought it for my birthday". Her hackles were rising as she said " I wonder if he purchased it in Jenkins ". No idea" said the girl as she left.

Back in the hall, Lorraine noticed the couple staring at her. Then the watchman was standing very close in front of her asking her to dance! What a cheek! By now she was angry and stood up,, her full height, looking him straight in the eyes said " no thank you, but I do like your girlfriends watch".He stared at her then slunk back to his seat. The anger she felt had given her new found courage. Then her old doubtful

feeling came over her, she felt as if she was weaving a spider's web..in which she was caught.

Her sister nearby, said "wow, what was that all about?" "Oh, nothing of importance" she replied. She couldn’t spoil her sister's big day with her problems. Then, a feeling of joy overcame her. She felt stronger and , yes, more grown up. Smiling to herself she noticed the two guests had quietly left. The spider's web was broken.

Occasionally, when there was something on her mind keeping her awake she wondered if the "watchman" would be at any future events. After all, he was a friend of her new brother-in-law. The web had not entirely been broken.