The Birthday Present

One

Eliza Jones had been a close friend of hers at one time. A best friend, even. There had been three of them; Cora, Eliza and Veronica. They had grown up together, and were inseparable in their pre- and early teen years. They went their separate ways after Veronica became pregnant at 15 and Cora's mother decided it was in her daughter's best interest for the family to move and distance themselves from the soon-to-be teenaged mother.

That was fifteen years ago. Since then, so much had happened in Cora's life. The most significant thing being her marriage to a big-time lawyer. She was spoiled rotten. He treated her like a princess, there was nothing he wouldn't do for her. But despite her new life, Cora had never forgotten the friends she had left behind.

As they drove to her hometown, Cora wondered what Eliza had died from. They were still fairly young. Much too young to be dead at least.

Her thirtieth birthday had just passed without incident. Cora's husband, Beau, had asked her over and over again when she wanted her gift, but Cora had only responded, “I'll let you know when I am ready for it.”

She was an eccentric woman and he knew it. Even though she would have easily gotten it, she didn't want a diamond necklace or five dozen red roses presented to her at a candlelit dinner. No, she wanted more . Something different, something out of the ordinary. And Beau knew exactly what that something was. He just had to give it to her when she wanted it. After all, timing was a very important part of the presentation.

They arrived at the church. There were more cars parked outside it than Cora had thought there would be. Beau parked and they entered the church. Immediately, Cora's eyes scanned the cathedral looking for Veronica. She spotted her at once, looking like she had the last time they saw one another.

Cora and Beau took a seat in the back and listened to the eulogy of her childhood friend. Her eyes watered as she thought of the times they spent together. After the funeral, she approached Veronica outside the church. The two embraced. Cora looked Veronica over. No, she hadn't changed much.

Veronica was wearing a short, black mini skirt and a tight, low-cut grey blouse. She wore fishnet stockings with baby holes and 4-inch black stilettos. Even at a funeral she had to ooze sex appeal.

Cora noticed Veronica's eyes looking at the lavish gold necklace and matching tennis bracelet that she wore. Cora had on a fitting, Roberto Cavalli pin-striped pantsuit and classic flats. She knew that Veronica was impressed.

“Happy belated birthday,” Veronica said with a smile.

Cora was thrilled. “You remember my birthday?” she asked.

“Of course. We go back. Way back.”

“Yes. And we have so much catching up to do. First things first, where is the baby?”

“Baby? She's all of fifteen. She's no baby.” Veronica pointed to a boyish-looking teen girl with short hair and ill-fitting clothing. “There she is. Her name is Rayveen, but she insists we all call her Ray.”

Cora was surprised to see that Veronica's daughter seemed to be her polar opposite. But instead of commenting, she put her hand on Beau's shoulder and introduced him to her friend. “This is my husband Beau.”

Veronica put her hand out to shake his. “Nice to meet you, Beau.”

“Come on,” Cora said, “let's go celebrate Eliza's life and my birthday. Know a good place to eat?”

“Why don't we just go to my house?” Veronica suggested.

Cora shrugged. “Sounds good to me.”

And that's what they did.

Two

Three weeks after the funeral, Cora was at home sunbathing poolside. Next to her was Ray, her new prodigy. Ever since they met, Ray had been practically glued to Cora's side. She'd ramble on and on about how smart and beautiful and unlike her mother Cora was. At the present moment she was saying, “I can't believe you were ever friends with my mom. You guys are nothing alike.”

“We were best friends once. We used to do everything together.”

“What happened?”

Cora hesitated, then decided to tell the truth. “You happened. When your mother got pregnant, my mother decided that it was time for me to break ties. She thought your mother was a bad influence.”

“Your mother was probably right. Veronica is such a savage.”