The Exception (A Peach Short Story)

(This is my response to @sammosk story The Son of a Peach - Short Story. I wanted a story with good peaches. lol)

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It was wrong, just plain wrong.

I peered through the room as my fellow peaches executed the poor man. They relished every flesh and tore his limbs apart.

As I witnessed the gore of their doing and their wicked laughters, I felt my heart pounding, the heavy feeling and the enormous weight on my shoulders.

I swear, I am not one of them.

I was born a different peach. When I sprung from the branch, the sun was shining it's rays upon the outermost twig that held me. I knew it in my heart that I was the loveliest peach for I wore the most crimson skin color among us all. I was always wearing a huge smile that could melt anyone's heart. My mind was set on peace, abundance, liberty, love and most of all happiness. I dreamt of being held by people, eaten and appreciated.

Growing up I pretended to be one with my fellow evil peaches. From the start,we were programmed and trained to do the vilest things to our so-called enemies. Persik our anointed leader, the biggest and strongest peach taught us the basics of torture and entrapment. He was chosen by Mother Tree to guide us all. Persik told us of the danger that awaits us: the humans and animals that will harm us and send us to our doom. He said we must execute them first to ensure our existence. It's either kill or be killed, which side will we be?

But I can't be like them any longer. It is not my dream nor my destiny to be an evil peach. I must plan to escape at all cost. And I must do it tonight. Today marks the celebration of the Peach Solstice. The time of the first peach harvest during a full moon. The peaches will do the initiation rites of new warrior peaches and they will gather around the Mother Tree chanting our oath of allegiance to the peach realm.

The sun has set and the peaches from all corners of the room gathered slowly around Mother Tree. Their squishy steps in unison as they hummed the peach anthem. Their voices filled the room. I went along the far side of the circle. Humming my way as I stepped back quietly away from the crowd. Their eyes were focused on the warriors that stood on the lower branches beaming with pride.

I stepped back even further when suddenly a peach bumped me.

With a stern look, "Watch it buddy! Hey...aren't you supposed to be on row four?" he asked.

"Persik gave instructions to be on watch, you can never be too careful somebody might intrude and discover us all." I replied.

"You're right, carry on." And he continued to focus on the warriors swaying with the others as they hummed and chanted.

I made sure I was quiet and subtle as possible. As I made my way down the stairs, I heard Persik's voice loud voice.

"Someone is missing, I haven't seen the reddest peach in the circle!"

Oh no! He noticed my absence, I must run as fast as I could! I ran and hopped with all the energy I can muster. I ran further, sprinting my way through the rocks and bumps along the way. I looked back and finally saw some peaches running after me. I made my way around the bushes, panting, almost out of breath. I must not lose hope and give up! I need to be free! Still I heard their sounds a quarter of a mile away.

I moved further ahead and heard water flowing. Closing in on the bank I examined the water's current. It was strong and impossibly hard to cross for my size. I looked around and saw a fallen branch with it's part halfway across water, it's pointed extension could lead me to the other side if I'd just jump high enough.

I straightened and positioned my body and walked sideways to avoid falling for the branch was slippery.

When I reached the peak of the extension, a peach yelled: "Traitor! Seize the heathen peach!"

The voice startled me and I almost slipped! It was as if my heart left my body but thankfully I was able to balance myself. I thought to myself: I have gotten this far, I must not turn my back on my dream! My ultimate dream of jubilant eyes appreciating my scarlet color, soft hands gently stroking my furry dermis, a lovely nose sniffing my sweet aroma and eager mouth that lavishes on my saccharin, juicy, tasty peach flesh have kept me alive so far.

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I took a deep breath and finally jumped with all of my might.

I harshly landed on rocky terrain which left a small bruise on my lower left cheek. I got up in pain, and saw fellow peaches trying to cross the stream but to no avail. The suspension from the jump moved the branch further away and flowed with the current leaving the peaches with nothing to cross on.

I sighed with relief knowing that I am finally free. I continued walking, limping my way through an unknown path through trees and bushes until I saw a wide concrete platform they call a road.

Across the road, was a big structure with letters marked: GROCERY. I hurried and went in through it's automated glass door. I saw a myriad of different people. I rolled my way across the aisles, avoiding to be discovered until I saw wooden crates that displayed vegetables and fruits. From there I gazed upon a group of peaches. To my amazement, they looked like me, skin as red, eyes closed but with the widest smile of contentment and happiness. I knew these were good peaches. I then climbed my way and joined them. When they saw me they welcomed me with open arms.

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Minutes later a man with a little girl in tow pointed in my direction.

"Daddy I want a peach!" The little girl requested.

"Sure honey, let's get some."

The man got a plastic bag and placed several peaches inside, he picked me up examined me and placed me back on the crate. I knew he saw my bruise. I was devastated, my heart sank for I knew a bruised peach is chosen the least or not at all. My dream might not come true after all.

But the little girl scooped me with her two hands and insisted, "I want this one too."

The dad answered, "But honey there's a little bruise on it."

"But it's the reddest and most beautiful peach I've ever seen. It's just a little bruise. It looks yummy too."

"Alright, let's go home." The man finally placed me inside the bag together with the chosen peaches.

From then on, I knew I had fulfilled my purpose: I was home, finally free and happy.

THE END

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