“Some people say beware of enemies. Some say beware of friends and some say beware of frenemies, but the most dangerous people are those that will hurt you and still play the victim.”― Uzoma Nnadi
Fictitious Disclaimer: This submission is a short story using fictional characters and the names used are random and not associated with anyone related to or known by the author.
Staring at the calendar and counting the days — Heather couldn’t wait! She eagerly anticipated the big event. Gathering with old friends at a social event was exciting but also a nerve-racking fashion competition. Although her closet was stuffed with a vast array of vibrant-colored, fashionable ensembles, she thought, “I haven’t a thing to wear.”
After descending into profound contemplation, she finally made a choice. She then got dressed, grabbed her purse, and dashed out the door. While walking, — she stopped — then froze in place. It suddenly dawned on her.
Wait — “Oh no!—Meg — Meagen will be there.”
Though she aimed to make a good impression, she was challenged to outdress her friend, Meagan — the best-dressed gal at their former high school. Her need to compete caused dissatisfaction with her initial wardrobe selection, prompting her to change clothes four times.
Her dilemma almost caused her to arrive late, but then she remembered her friend was never prompt for events. She hurried along in case Meagan pulled a “fast one” and came before she did.
Upon arriving at the event, Heather noticed her friend hadn’t come. Meagan was notorious for being late (not because she had no sense of time but because she liked to be the center of attention).
But — she loved her anyway. Besides, they’d known each other since they were in diapers.
Now — back to the event.
The friend, Meagan, arrived at the venue and walked in with a smug swagger, flaunting a stunning DKNY pantsuit. Heather’s best bud scanned the room in hopes of gaining attention.
The attendees stared at her in awe. The chatter ceased. Band members retired their instruments.
Heather approached Meagan and formed her lips to say, “Hi” while extending her arms out for a hug, but then— Meagan did the unspeakable. Abruptly walking past Heather without eye contact, she surprisingly greeted and embraced Heather’s enemy instead.
Meagan had snubbed Heather.
Standing there in disbelief, she felt mortified, breathless, and rejected. Heather thought, “Wha — Wha — What — did I do?” Restraining her tears, she struggled to regain her composure and swallow her pride.
She then approached Meagan with a forgiving smile — devoid of hatred and spoke to her as if it had never happened. Meagan, her friend-turned-frenemy, was so consumed with guilt that she abruptly left the social gathering, never to be seen or heard from again.
Heather avoided a confrontation that could’ve ruined the event and her reputation. She displayed the professionalism, poise, and dignity she’d worked so hard to maintain.
Being snubbed is not fun and is a devastating pill to swallow. Further, it may cause you to feel devalued and unappreciated. It’s not a good idea to wallow in these negative feelings because someone’s actions made you feel a certain way. However, that doesn’t define who you are, but your integrity and resilience will.
Letting go of the sting of getting snubbed is liberating. And that’s what Heather did. She let it go and moved on. An easy thing to do? Not at all, but it’s doable. Heather so graciously proved it because:
Heather opted to take the “high road” instead of “throwing stone for stone.”
She could pat herself on the back because she didn’t become defensive nor succumbed to pettiness; instead, she overcame the offense with class. She handled adversity well in the face of betrayal and disloyalty.
And for that, she is my hero!