Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BEAT AROUND THE BUSH (05/25/17)
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TITLE: A quick and simple talk | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tiffanie Chezum
05/30/17 -
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Bob’s face flinched with confusion. “Do you want me to get you an ice cream?”
“No … of course not.”
“Then …” The middle-aged man paused, running a hand through his well groomed hair.
Irene fidgeted with her stapler. “Do you remember when I married Jim?”
“Yeah …” Bob tilted his head a bit, emphasizing his perplexed expression. “You took forever getting to the point when you told me.”
“You said that you saw doubt … or maybe it was concern in my eyes.” The older woman fumbled the stapler, dropping it onto a partially eaten donut.
Bob tried to contain a smile. “Do you usually staple your food?”
Irene laughed.
“Are you and Jim having issues?” The man’s smile faded. “Do you need to talk?”
“No … I mean yes.” Irene stared at the crushed treat. “No, we’re not having problems. We’re very happy … it was meant to be.”
“So … what do you need to talk about?”
“I didn’t want to think about my doubts.” The chair squeaked as the lady shifted her weight. “You told me that some doubt was normal. ‘Trust where God is leading you,’ you said. That was so hard to do …”
“Because of the ice cream?” Bob chuckled.
She grinned. “Oh, you’re funny.”
The man shook his head as he leaned forward. “We’ve been friends a very long time. I can tell something is gnawing at you.”
Irene grabbed her stapler; colorful sprinkles rained across her desk calendar. “The point is … well … it was hard. After my first marriage dissolved, it was hard for me to trust again.”
“But you did …”
“Yes.” A brief smile tugged the corners of Irene’s mouth. She broke off a piece of the flattened donut. “Yes, I did … and everything has worked out wonderful.”
Bob rested an arm on the older woman’s desk. “You helped me out so much after my mom died. You were … you are the older sister I always wished I had. You know you can tell me anything.”
“I always have hated life altering events.” Irene popped the piece of donut into her mouth.
Bob’s eyes widened. “Are you sick?”
The woman swallowed. “No. It’s more of a good thing … I think.”
“Are you pregnant?”
“No!” Irene blurted.
The two laughed for a moment.
“It’s just …” Irene’s voice trailed off. “I’ve worked her a long time.”
“I know … and?”
The lady gave an uneasy smile. “I’ve made a choice.”
“Are we back to the ice cream yet?” Bob smirked.
“I’m going to retire.”
Silence hung in the air. Bob stared into his friends eyes. “Really?”
Irene smiled. “Yes, I am,” she said. Yes … I am,” she repeated as her voice faded again.
“Congratulations … I … I’m so happy for you.” He rushed around the desk and hugged her. “Why do I still see concern on your face?”
She looked at her donut. “Retirement is supposed to be special … what if it doesn’t go well? … like the ice cream?”
“What if it’s like marrying Jim?” Bob rested his hand on Irene’s shoulder. “You won’t know until you get there. Trust where God is leading you. … but know you will be missed in the office. Not that I’m trying to get you to stay. I just want to see you happy.”
“This is why I always like to talk to you.” Irene’s smile grew. “You always make things simple.”
“We need to celebrate.” Bob grinned. “How ‘bout I take you for ice cream tomorrow? I promise you’ll get some.” A short snicker escaped his lips.
They both laughed.
Bob clasped Irene’s hands in his. “I am so happy for you. You deserve this.” He turned and headed to the door.
“Bob … can you …” Irene hesitated.
“What?”
“Can you do me a favor?” the woman continued. “Nobody else knows … please don’t repeat what I said to anyone.”
Bob pondered this for just a moment. “I really don’t think I could, even if I tried.” A chuckle punctuated his statement.
“You know what I mean.” Irene began to laugh.
“Not a word,” Bob said as he opened the office door. “I always enjoy our quick and simple talks.”
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