The Stepford Wife

Nick couldn't believe his luck. The town of Stepford had accepted his application and approved his request to move in. It was an elite gated community that sprang up very quickly a number of years back. Heavily regulated access and almost impossible to become a resident, it was a coveted and exclusive community.

When he showed his paperwork to the guard at the gate, there had been some confusion about the fact that he was alone in the car. Nick started to worry that he was going to be turned away when the guard stepped into the booth to make a call, but ultimately he was allowed in.

The road continued for a while past the wall before he spotted the first homes. They really did like their privacy from the outside world, it seemed. The houses were all picture-perfect, like something out a postcard. Each was slightly different, so the whole neighborhood had charm and character, but they still managed to be uniform enough that they fit together cohesively. All the landscaping was flawless; everything green and thriving.

But as lovely as the community itself was, it was the people who really drew his attention. It was late morning on a Sunday, and many people were out enjoying the day. He saw people walking or jogging, neighbors having barbecues on their perfect lawns, and other similar summer activities. But what struck him was that everyone was so gorgeous. The men were tall with various similar athletic builds while the women were all fit, with perfect figures and beautifully styled hair.

They all seemed so sophisticated. Men and women alike dressed like they took great pride in their appearance. Nearly all of the women wore skirts or dresses, and those who wore shorts or pants still chose very stylish, feminine outfits. Everyone near his car as he passed would smile and wave at him warmly.

He'd never seen such a sense of community or felt so welcome anywhere. This was going to be a great new chapter in Nick's life. After his recent divorce, he needed a fresh start like this.

It didn't take him long to find the address of the house that would be his. As he parked in the driveway, a man and a woman came out to greet him. Like everyone else, they were both incredibly good looking, leaving Nick feeling under-dressed and frumpy. The man, dressed in a casual jacket and slacks, reached to shake his hand. "Mr. Carter! We're so happy to welcome you and your wife to our lovely community. I'm Jack Wells, this is my wife, Megan. We're the liaisons for new move-ins."

The woman, holding a large basket wrapped in brightly colored cellophane, peered into Nick's car with a slightly puzzled expression on her face. "Where is Mrs. Carter? I brought her a welcome package." Megan was so beautiful she could have been a model or famous actress.

When Jack reached for the package, the woman pulled it away. "It's not for you, Mr. Carter, these things are only for a wife."

"Oh, there is no Mrs. Carter. No wife. It's just me." He gestured to the house behind the couple. "Is this one mine? It's beautiful."

Jack shook his head and held up a hand in a 'hold on' motion. "Your paperwork was signed by a Nick Carter and an Whitney Carter. In your application you stated you are married."

Nick laughed. "Oh, I was. I'm divorced. That was finalized about six months ago. Whitney is actually my father, he was just co-signing for the loan. He won't be coming."

Jack frowned. "I see. Well that does complicate things. You see, Nick, this house is not suitable for a single man such as yourself. This home is only for a couple." The wife nodded very matter-of-factly beside him.

"What? No, I was told this was going to be my house. You can't just—"

"This is how we do things in Stepford." Jack cut him off, his tone surprisingly firm. Almost like a warning to back down.

Megan tapped his shoulder and Jack leaned down slightly so she could whisper in his ear.

"Ah, yes. Nick, we may actually have a solution. See, no one in Stepford lives alone. Ever. No exceptions. But you showing up all by yourself like this might actually solve a different problem we've been having. Actually, yes. This is great! Follow me."

He motioned to follow and started down the sidewalk. Megan smiled politely and waited for Nick to proceed before following up behind him.