The Magic Cucumber Vine

Della didn't believe in magic, miracles, or coincidence. Della was a no nonsense rising junior executive at Yatta-Yatta-Yatta Law firm. Her defiance of the male dominated firm drove her to work longer hours, work harder at the gym, and to be more aggressive all around. Della postponed her happiness for a time when she could prove herself equal and better than her counterparts at the firm. She would show them all what she was made of.

Della kept up a strict diet and regiment to build her 5'5" tall toned frame which turned the head of all at the gym. Della didn't mind the men looking when she worked out in her yoga pants showing off her toned ass and the sports bra barely holding in her 30C breasts. However, she didn't have time for relationships. How could she when she worked 60-70 hours at the office? All that was about to change.

Della took the train into the big city on her way for a big presentation for the client that could sky rocket her career to the next level. The morning started with an intense gym session at 4am. She prepared for another hour for her talking points and had even left 30 minutes early to ensure her being on time. The dark gray pencil dress clung to her hips and ended just above her knees. The matching suit jacket was fitted and emphasized all her curves over her low cut blouse and push-up bra. Her dark blonde hair was pinned up in a tight bun. No ear rings.

The train rumbled along. A plethora of individuals along the spectrum of socioeconomic levels populated the transportation. While deep in thought, Della was yanked from her concentration.

"Missy," an old crone cawed in what looked to be several weeks unwashed state. "Would you happen to have a few dollars to spare?"

Della just wanted her to get out of her space so she could concentrate and not have that God awful smell permeate on her. The woman had a crocheted wrap covering her hunched and gnarled back. Della thought she must've been like a hundred years old and lived a hard life of a day laborer.

"Uh, yeah. Here you go." Della stated while pulling a bill out of her clutch from her brief case.

Della meant to give the old bag a five or a ten dollar bill but inadvertently pulled a one hundred dollar bill. She instantly regretted it but it was too late to pull the bill back as the old lady proudly accepted the paper money. Tears welled up in the woman's eyes as she inspected the bill.

"Dear young lady, you're too kind to this old crone. I have something special just for you," she whispered conspiratorially with her tooth decaying bad breath in Della's face.

Della grimaced as the old woman placed a small square of folded brown paper in her hands. The contents rattled as the train shifted around a turn. She looked down into her hands in confusion and looked up questioningly to the old woman. But there was no old woman in sight. She looked around the cramped seating of the train and did not see any trace of the old hag.