I already posted this in "Name That Book," but they were stumped.

I thought it might be an O Henry

A guy plots his wife's death. After dinner (for honeymoon or birthday or something), he kills her on the front stoop of their house, opens the door, and friends and family all pop out with the cliched "surprise!"

I'd say it can't be o henry. His are all happy and "Christian." Haven't heard of that.

I have another one I'd like to track down. I read it in an anthology and I was convinced it was by Joyce Carol Oates, but not anymore:
A young girl meets a boy in a drive-in and they flirt. Both are in separate cars with friends. A few days (weeks?) later, the girl decides to stay at home after her family has left and the "boy" shows up with his friend (it turns out he's a man, much older). She won't let him in. The story is about him coaxing her into coming into the house so he can ultimately rape her.

Ring any bells?? I found it particularly moving/harsh/symbolic.

thanks in advance.

That very definitely IS Joyce Carol Oats, it's called "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?". We just did it two weeks ago in my short story class.

Message edited by its author, Nov 8, 2008, 11:01am.

thanks so much! I was able to track it on the Internet and it's the one!