Before I am Famous

literature is something we infer after the story is told

Her Breasts

Posted on | August 5, 2008 |

womanphoto
photo by Scott Liddell

A week after the surgery, the bandages came off. Nurse Sarah, who had been with her from the beginning, let her alone in the room. Jacelyn’s shaky hand slid down her chest and she looked down.

***
Sexy, killer- eyes Randy and she were good friends since high school. Jacelyn introduced him to his first wife. To use the cliche, it was love at first sight at least to Jacelyn because in a few short months they were married.

She knew Randy wanted the cozy family complete with the 9-5 job, cozy little house, nice neighbors, some kids and maybe a dog. Randy asked Jacelyn first to be his wife but she wanted to party.

Jacelyn partied, men adored her and she craved a carefree life. Men took her on exotic trips and bought her expensive clothes. She had the good life. She loved her job at the clothing store.

One by one her friends married and settled down. By 27 Randy and Yvonne divorced, at Yvonne’s request. Five years passed since Randy and Jacelyn spent time together. He called her one day and their friendship reignited.

Something changed in Jacelyn’s heart when she saw Randy again, the time they spent laughing and they way he gazed upon her. The time when they went for a walk and he kissed her, they shared each other’s first kiss. Jacelyn’s feelings developed. She asked him how he felt about her. He said he loved her but wanted someone to be with and not for one night.

Two months before the surgery, she called him to go to the bar, he agreed. They danced together but the pains got worse. When they sat down, she popped some Tylenol.

“Jace, how long have you been in pain?” he asked with concern.

“Oh I don’t know for a couple of months now.”

He grabbed her hands, “ Jace, promise you’ll go to the doctor as soon as possible.”

“I will.” He kissed her hands.
***
Genetic predisposition. That was what the doctors told her.

She screamed at the balding specialist with tranquil and patient eyes, “How could this be? I’m only 29. Doesn’t this happen to older people?”

“The chances are greater with older women but anyone can develop it,” he tried to explain,

Visions of losing her hair and incessant vomiting overtook her thoughts, “what are my options?”

“Well I think we can skip the chemo and opt for surgery.”

Removing a couple of lumps comforted Jacelyn, “that’s not too bad, I guess.”

“Jacelyn, I’m suggesting a mastectomy of both breasts. It is your only chance to be cancer free.”
***
Tears fell from her eyes onto her empty chest. How would anyone love half a woman? Shortly before she turned 14, her breasts developed and her own powers discovered. For 15 years she enjoyed the life her breasts gave her. Maybe she should have married any of the men who asked her. Her life as she saw it was over, a lonely lady with only men nasties to choose from.

The door opened. Picking up her head and looking over, she saw red roses and a balloon with white letters spelling out “I love you.” Behind the roses was sexy, killer eyes Randy, smiling, “hey Jace.”

She smiled amidst her bereavement.

Thanks to A Thousand Words for the inspiration!!!

Category: simply stories

Comments

5 Responses to “Her Breasts”

  1. Jenn
    August 5th, 2008 @ 9:35 am

    I’m so glad to see that you wrote this story story in response to the prompt! I hope you will participate in A Thousand Words again, too. Please note that you can go back to any of the weekly prompts at any time, write as you are inspired, and sign Mr. Linky. There are no rules about writing within the specific week when the prompt is posted! That’s what writing is about, after all, i.e., writing when the muse strikes.

    Your take on this photo was surprising and interesting! Loved the ending, obviously.

  2. WOOF Winners for 8/08/08 | Poetry 2.0
    August 14th, 2008 @ 1:38 am

    [...] Penelope Anne Bartotto - ‘I’ll Always Hold Your Hand’ Jennifer M Scott - ‘Her Breasts’ Jenn - ‘What Friends [...]

  3. Dorothy
    August 25th, 2008 @ 3:21 am

    That was a great stroy. I waited a while to get my thoughts together for my take on this picture and when I posted tonight I came back here to read what you and Jenn had written.

    The picture overwhealming screamed mastectomy. It is so strange how minds work. My story was about breast cancer also.

    Thanks for sharing your take on breast cancer.

    DBB

  4. If a writer writes . . . | Colloquium
    August 25th, 2008 @ 7:01 pm

    [...] Jennifer M. Scott - Her Breasts [...]

  5. What Friends Do | Mixed Metaphor.net
    October 13th, 2008 @ 12:27 pm

    [...] Jennifer M. Scott - Her Breasts [...]

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