(The closing sentence for this story was suggested by Maddie of Maddie’s Musings. If you want to join in the fun of suggesting a future closing sentence for these stories, click here for a peek as to what’s what.)
Marmaduke (one wonders what gets into parents’ heads when they name a son “Marmaduke”, but to each their own) was in a tizzy. Not only was it a stupid name, but “he” was a “she”. The stupid parents had given her a boy’s name because “they liked it” and “wanted a boy”.
Even though she was known as “Mamie”, the name Marmaduke appeared on official documents. The first time she went for a job interview, when she walked into the room everyone said the same thing: We were expected a man.
Now at the age of twenty-two Marmaduke decided to take things into her own hands; she would officially change her name. And that is how she became Jennifer Joy.
Jennifer Joy had barely emerged from the name-changing office when she saw on the street the handsomest man she had ever seen in her entire life. It was one of those lightning strikes that happens mainly in novels. Of course, this is not a novel. His name was Mac. As just-met strangers Jenny and Mac went off together to Burger King for a bite to eat. They got on so well. They even shared a milkshake. Before long they were dating. (I’m telling you this because frequently stories have a sad or surprise ending but there’s nothing wrong with being positive and normal occasionally).
Jenny and Mac were engaged in no time. At the wedding rehearsal Jenny got the surprise of her life. The marriage officiant referred to Mac as “Marmaduke”. It was the name on the official documentation.
“Why didn’t you tell me,” wailed Jennifer Joy. “How can I marry a Marmaduke?”
“I was too embarrassed to tell you, darling. But… Trust me” he whispered, “I have a plan.”
Does the plan involve the name-changing office?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re on the ball as always. He’s going to change his name to Myrtlefart.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀
LikeLike
Now, cut that out. I live in that town.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your town as a Burger King?
LikeLike
Nein.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was almost called John Ronald….I’m not sure Jennifer hasn’t gone from frying pan to fire – Jennifer Joy sounds like a porn star name!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh – I used the name “Jennifer Joy” in honour of a dear friend (no I didn’t!!) I was going to be Bernard but Mum didn’t want it shortened (as was the custom back then) to Barney. The name John, these days is ok, now that everyone is NOT called it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What’s in a name?
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot of letters are in a name…
LikeLike
Snort.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is rip-roaring humour! The irony of the climax is a stunner. Noooooooo… is all I could think!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pressing the send button prematurely seems to be a thing that comes with age.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have once again submitted the comment prematurely. (The dangerously placed ‘send’ button is to blame). But I can continue for all it is worth, can’t I? Now what was it I was about to type other than that the mata-fiction has added to the humour and satire?
Maybe later….
LikeLiked by 1 person
The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
(Now I have forgotten a comma somewhere in there).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m starting to lose all sense of commas these days. I put them in and take them out seemingly at random.
LikeLike
Loved this Bruce. One of your best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alex. There’s no telling what people like! I nearly didn’t post this one!
LikeLike
Always go with what you like 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
True
LikeLiked by 1 person
Late to the party of the name changing. Awesome story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!
LikeLike
You managed to marry two Marmadukes! Even the lightning doesn’t hit one place twice! Stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
!!
LikeLiked by 1 person