TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

 

Welcome! This is picture prompt week. I've written another episode of "The Kicker" to this picture of a diamond heart necklace. I'm only allowed 300 words. Don't forget to visit the other authors and read their delightful stories. Find them HERE. Thanks for visiting. Don't forget to leave a comment. I love those. 

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Merrily's hair bounced as she strode over to claim her Secret Santa gift. The small box reminded her of one that might hold an engagement ring she'd hoped for from her former skating partner. Instead, he gave her two tickets to The Ice Capades.

She sighed on her way back to the table.

"What is it? Looks like an engagement ring," Courtney said reaching for it.

Merrily snatched it away, out of her reach. "It's for me."

"Secret admirer proposing to you as Secret Santa? Now there's a story line!" Courtney laughed and typed a note into her phone.

"I doubt it." Merrily ripped the paper off. She opened the white box slowly. Nestled in a bed of cotton sat a diamond heart outline pendant. The chain matched the silvery gleam of the tiny diamonds. "Oh my God! Diamonds?" Slowly, Merrily lifted the necklace from the box. 

"Can't be. Must be fake," Courtney said, grabbing the gift and holding it close to her eyes. "Looks like the real thing. Who would give this to you?"

"Secret Santa, remember? I have no idea."

Marge and Charlie wandered over. "What did ya get, Merrily?" Marge asked.

"This necklace. Looks like real diamonds."

"Can't be. Must be perfect fakes. Nobody gives anyone something like this in a Secret Santa." Marge fingered the jewel. "Not in Pine Grove, anyways."

Merrily watched as Charlie picked up the discarded wrapping. As he fingered the smooth s paper, his cheeks colored.

"You know who it's from, don't you Charlie?" Merrily put her hand on his arm.

"Nope. No idea." He looked away.

"Yes, you do. Tell me."

"Would just be a wild guess, anyway. Besides, it's supposed to be secret."

"Aw, come on Charlie. I want to know if it's real."

Merrily saw him glance at his nephew.