Develpmental Problems

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge: prompt for 10/5.
Write a story that includes the line: "Don't take this the wrong way"

Developmental Problems

         Bill guided his car to the off ramp and stopped at the light on Elm.  It was a hectic day and he was tired, but happy to be almost home.  He watched the pedestrians crossing in front of him.  Surprised at all the school children in the mix, then realizing the afternoon football game was just letting out. 

         He felt a little ashamed at his reaction to the young girls in their short skirts, shorts and tight sweaters.  ‘They couldn’t be more than thirteen to fifteen.’ He thought to himself.  ‘But they’re developed like adults.’

         Every intersection along his path had stop signs; although thinning in numbers, these kids were crossing at almost every one.  As he turned onto Maple Street he noticed a girl walking beside a boy.  She was wearing a tube top, cut off shorts, crew socks and white sneakers, ‘These aren’t the legs of a fourteen year old.’ 

         Innocent enough from behind, but as he came abreast of the couple he realized she was Annie, his daughter.  He also concluded that she was just as developed as the other girls and an alarm went off in his head. ‘Beverly and I need to talk to her.’  Four houses down, he turned into his driveway. 

         Somehow in the past three years he missed something, his daughter was growing up much too quickly. 

         He entered the house, dropping his attaché case in the foyer and car keys in the dish.  Bill stormed into the living room; his wife was folding linens while sitting on the couch.  “Hi honey, supper’s on, will be ready in a few minutes.”  She turned her head up to him and puckered her lips, waiting for him to kiss her.

         “Don’t take this the wrong way, but we need to talk to Annie!”


Word count = 299