Smart Girl Gets Even
Tuesday
Clara Smart’s chest swelled as she read her co-author, Richard’s, latest contribution to their online romantic fiction story.
‘My love. Over the last few months, I’ve come to realise you are everything to me. I want to surprise you with a very special gift, something to signify the future of our love. I’ve been saving!’
Though her body tingled, she knew, deep down, the surprise was for Yvonne, the female half of the couple about whom she and Richard wrote, and the expensive virtual gift – a diamond ring, surely - was being organised by the male character, Alistair. Nudging common sense aside, however, her mind slipped to one daydream only – the ring, proposal and perfect partner for life were for her, Clara, and not the imaginary women of their shared storytelling. As the administrator of a blog which had, for months, achieved no following, she had never conceived such an outcome until a lone fan emerged from the cyber-mist. Alistair, AKA Richard, had taken her and Yvonne on a breathtaking dance that straddled the real and illusory worlds.
It took three months to sweet-write their characters towards this crescendo. Each typing two lines of text, every day, they manoeuvred the couple on a wild journey, culminating in passionate, unconsummated arousal. The tease of a proposal heightened the stakes, sending Yvonne, no Clara, into a state of bliss. Did Richard feel the same way? Did he read Yvonne’s messages and imagine himself as the tangible recipient of the true author, Clara’s, entreaties?
Her fingers arched, poised, above her keyboard as she composed her Tuesday response.
‘Dearest Alistair. I’m beyond excited by your message and the special surprise you have in store. But now I feel I must tell you who I really am. From now on, I’m hoping you’ll write to me as Clara, not Yvonne because I have real feelings of love for you, Richard. Do you feel the same way? Would you like to be yourself, and not Alistair? Can this be the story of us?’
Forty-four agonising minutes later, new words appeared on the screen.
‘Clara, this is Richard. Rules? Do they exist? We are allotted two lines each, not three. You’ve broken my trust, my rhythm and my chance to surprise you – Yvonne, that is.’
Tears stung her eyes. ‘Richard, this is Clara, the website host, where I’ve decided not to limit us to two lines for the purposes of this special, important discussion. You sound angry and confused and for that I am sorry. I have come to take your words personally and very much to heart. I hoped mine would have a similar effect on you. Please let me know how you are feeling – I’m beside myself with anxiety.’
Her screen remained unchanged for eighteen hours, fifty-four minutes and sixteen seconds.
Wednesday
‘Clara, this is Richard, trying not to not break the “one response a day” rule. Why are you doing this, saying these things? I’m not sure I even want to write about Yvonne and Alistair anymore.’
‘I’m sorry, so sorry, but please agree to continue our story, at least. I couldn’t bear to break off contact with you now. We could start again tomorrow, pick up the thread. If you’d like a proper response from Yvonne, I’ll write it now. She says: Alistair, my darling. I’m shivering with exquisite anticipation. Your gift, the one you’ve saved for, holds such promise I can hardly breath. Does it signal a tantalising peak in our relationship? Is this a forever present?’
His response was swift.
‘Clara, it’s Richard again. I formatted Yvonne’s reply. It is three lines, not two. Do you intend to continue flouting the rules? PS. Overblown and shmaltzy.’
‘Richard, I’m sorry. I’ll stick to the rules – two lines from now on. And I’ll be more careful with my words.’
Three hours and forty-three minutes later.
‘Yvonne, with respect and a gentle touch - I suspect you want more from me than I can give. I’m so very sorry, especially if you believed my gift was an engagement ring. Perhaps this had better end.’
‘Alistair, no, please. Don’t be hasty, I beg of you. I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Let’s take a step back and enjoy time together as friends.’
Within seconds, a scorching response hit her screen.
‘Yvonne! Your response, above, is the second in one day. As per our rules, we’re allowed only one each. I will read it and reply tomorrow, assuming I wish to hear from you again.’
Thursday
‘Yvonne, sweetheart, if you agree to being friends and we carry on as before, I am willing to continue. My gift is a book about a women’s role in marriage. Happy Reading, my love.’
‘Alistair, thank you for your gift which gives me renewed hope for our relationship. Your foresight in preparing me for marriage is as exciting as any piece of jewellery. What’s the book called?’
Friday
‘It’s called, ‘The Surrendered Wife’ – an unfortunate title, but full of wise advice. It will transform our relationship and lives, Yvonne, for a perfect future together. Won’t that be wonderful, my darling?’
Six months later - today
Clara beams at her audience. ‘Thank you for coming to my book launch. I’m so grateful for the support of my readers, many of whom relate to my novel. For those who haven’t read, ‘Smart Girl Gets Even’, it’s semi-autobiographical based on my own experience with a controlling co-author. The premise of the story …. and ends, three months later, when she recognises the dangers of manipulation and gaslighting. I’m thrilled it’s a bestseller, so thank you all once again.’