Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FRESH START (01/05/17)
-
TITLE: Starting Over | Previous Challenge Entry
By JC Hummel
01/12/17 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
He was still on the phone when his secretary showed her into his office, and he cupped his hand over the mouth piece and said, “I’ll be with you in a couple of minutes. Take a seat,†and pointed at the chair across the desk from where he was sitting.
She smiled apologetically and sat down.
“Right now, English Toffee is one of our biggest sellers,†he continued talking into the phone. “Well, I do think our prices are very competitive, Mr. Marietta,†his voice now slightly raised.
His office was large with wood paneled walls, and even though he had quit smoking over a year ago, Leda could still smell a lingering odor of cigarette smoke. She did her best not to listen to his heated conversation with Mr. Marietta, and she looked around the room trying to find a distraction.
It was no use, and her thoughts drifted back to the last time she was in this room. It had been an exciting day when she told Mr. Jacobson that her fiancé, Noah, had gotten a job offer out of state, and they would be moving right after the wedding. Everyone at Jacobson’s Chocolates was thrilled with her news and threw a wonderful going-away party to celebrate.
The day after she quit, (five days before the wedding) Noah was killed in a hit and run. She could barely remember his funeral, and the weeks after his death were a blur of people coming and going bringing meals and paying their respects. Just when she thought the agony couldn't get any worse, a relative called looking for her gift back. “I’m sorry, Hon, her mother said, “but I guess we really need to think about returning the rest of the wedding presents.â€
When Mr. Jacobson came to visit that evening she was happy to see his kind, familiar face. The old man sat on the living room sofa with his hat in his hands. “ I know this has been devastating for you Leda, and I hope you don't think I’m being crass, but if you would like your old job back, it’s there for you. Think about it and let me know.â€
Mr. Jacobson hung up his phone. “Sorry about that, Mr. Marietta always wants something for nothing,†he said straightening his chair. "How are you doing?â€
“I’m doing okay. In fact, I’m doing much better, and that is why I came to see you.†She took a deep breath and started to repeat the words she had rehearsed over and over the night before. “Mr. Jacobson, you have been very considerate and are a very good man. I am so grateful that you let me come back to work here. It really helped me heal, but I think it is time for me to move on … again.†She looked down to the floor hoping he hadn't noticed her lip quivering when she spoke.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better. I will be sad to see you go. Will you be going far?â€
“Yes. I’m going to California. I have an aunt out there and she has been asking me to spend some time with her. I think moving away for a bit would be good for me.â€
He nodded his head, and came around the desk. “If you need a reference just call,†and they shook hands.
“I will,†and she walked out of his office smiling with tears steaming down her face. She missed Noah every day and didn't think she would ever get over his death, but it was time to move on. Change was difficult, but she finally felt strong enough to let go of the past.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Great writing...I hope this isn't a true story...if it is...my deepest sympathy...and may God continue to guide your path always.
God Bless~