Flash Fiction / Gods vs 21st Century

Flash Fiction: Lightning in a Bottle and Other Great Hits

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PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers. Other stories featuring the prompt can be found here. 

“Let’s swear… when we grow up we’ll be rockstars together.”
The 12-year-olds engaged in a blood oath, friends forever.

For years, the girls jammed. But Fortuna’s eye landed on Lara. A solo record deal came her way. Lara tried to negotiate a package deal for the duo.
“It’s ok, my turn will come. Don’t forget about me when you’re rich and famous,” said Michelle.
“Never!”

Lara became lightning in a bottle. She texted her BBF with daily updates and excitement.
“My album has gone gold!”
Her stardom triggered Michelle’s shadow.
“You know, you sold out, Lara. Manufactured.”

Fortuna has a price — Friendship.

~*~

Story Background

Fortuna is the Roman goddess of good fortune. She is the personification of luck. Other bite-sized stories featuring the gods in the 21st century can be read here.

Have you ever lost a friend thanks to Fortuna? If so, were you the successful one or the one left behind?

47 comments

  1. It is very difficult to maintain a friendship when one is left behind. I think it’s why I loved Firefly Lane so much because no matter how famous the one became, the other was right there by her side.
    Nicely done, T.

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  11. Friendships can be complicated when different people grow in different ways and directions, and sometimes awaken issues that were there all along, but did not have teeth till something happened to grow them. Green eyed monsters, often do that.

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  13. Great story, Tannille which also raises some big questions and much reflection. My health battles have had a massive impact on just about every aspect of my life and it’s certainly revealed much about human nature including my own. Many of my friendships have involved a shared activity like going to church, work, playing violin together and when the activity stops, most of these friendships stop at least in real life although they probably continue on Facebook. A friend once said that you usually keep one friend out of these activities and I’ve found that to be fairly true. Getting married seems to end a lot of friendships. My wedding was the last time I saw some of my close friends. Being in the same boat, which ever boat that is, is usually good for maintaining a friendship and there probably needs to be a number of dimensions to a friendship if it is to survive in separate boats.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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    1. I think you’re right. Most friendships are about the common interest and fail to transform when life changes. Getting married is a good example. It’s painful but also opens us to something new. Sometimes friends come back. Lack of time also kills friendships.

      Hope your feeling better, R.

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  16. Growing up is hard, and childhood friendships that survive into adulthood are rare, I believe. Your story of budding rock stars and blood oaths captures the magic of this stage of life, and the rupture caused by fortune and circumstance also rings true.

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    1. We think everything will last forever at that age. During school years most things are the same amongst friends, an equal footing. After school different opportunities and choices arise. It can cause resentment or a general growing apart.

      Thanks, M.

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