The Ecdysiast

The Ecdysiast

"It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen," Jerry said. "It seemed routine at first – the trumpeted announcement, the feather boa and see through lingerie..."

"If you've seen one stripper ...," William offered, fanning himself in mock heat.

"Her body is covered in tattoos," Jerry paused before finishing, "... and the images change each time she comes out!"

Guffaws greeted his statement.

"I've got to go back to find out how she does it."

"Why, you don't know how to undress?" This brought an explosion of laughter causing several to wipe tears from their eyes.

The club was exactly as remembered – dark with an odor of stale beer and cigarettes. The stage spotlight cast furtive shadows over the men around the runway as he picked his way toward the front.

"So, you like Aello's dance?"

The softly accented voice made Jerry jump. Where the hell did she appear from? "I, uhh, I –you're magnificent," he finally stuttered out over her soft laughter.

"Perhaps, you'd like a private dance?" She flashed a promising smile and then, without waiting, she moved toward the back of the club as he hurriedly followed.

They entered a small room with a couch. As she led him over, music began to play. She swayed, her diaphanous covering barely concealing the dark markings. "You like? Each was a gift from an admirer ... like you."

Now the tempo began to increase and she slowly let her covering slide off, revealing the intricate markings connecting the images of men faces. "Each man has his own attractions ... I see you have found yours."

Jerry heard her voice but couldn't stop staring a spot just above her navel. He felt light headed, suffocating in the music and motion, unable to move. "So be it," was the last words he heard.

Aello bent, retrieving her gown. She walked to a curtained wall and pushed the fabric aside, revealing a mirror. "Perfect," she said, watching as her youth returned, witnessed only by the image of Jerry's face enshrined forever.


Notes:
An entry for the 3/14/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: trumpet, feather, fan

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 300

Ecdysiast ~ [ek-diz-ee-ast] a stripper; an exotic dancer (who knew? )

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken