Dreams Come True

“This job sucks”, I said to my husband.

“I know we’ve had this conversation a thousand times before.”
“I’m sorry, you’re right.” I walked over and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“So what happened today,” Derek asked?
“Well, it all started with Kathy today. She was already angry about her life when she walked in the door. She chewed us out for not having the legal paperwork done right.” I mimicked her stomping around the office. “Then she said we were getting somebody new and she wants me to train them.”
“Isn’t that a part of her job?”
“Yep, but she expects that all my work is going to be done on top of the training, but I had better not even think of asking for overtime.” I finished changing my clothes and kept going, “She tried to argue with me about some detail on one of the motions that she thought was wrong, but I had actually done it right.”
“You know arguing with her one of these days is going to get you into serious trouble.”
“What do you want me to do? She’s wrong half the time and I can’t blame it on her for a mistake I’ve made. That’s unprofessional.”
Derek rolled his eyes. “So after lunch she gives me this huge stack of typing to do and says she needs it by the end of the day. All of the other ladies left early and I got stuck.”
“It’s because you argue with her.”
“I know, but it still bothers me.”
I started to fuss around the kitchen making dinner. I hated going to work each day. “I should be thankful for this job. It pays the bills”, I muttered to myself. After dinner, I sat down to read a book. “Why can’t life be more like a novel?”
“Because there is no such happily ever after,” Derek said.
“I know, but I can dream can’t I?”
“Sure, honey.”

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of the alarm. I sighed and headed for the shower. When I got out, Derek had the coffee ready and the cereal bowls out. Exactly at 7:15 am I walked out the door for work. “Love you,” I said.
“Love you too.” We kissed and left for work.
I made it to the office, set my stuff in my cubicle and started my computer. I headed to the break room for my second cup of coffee. When I got back, there was a note on my computer, come see me. I have more work for you. I trudged to Kathy’s office.
“Here these need typed up by lunch time, your trainee starts after lunch and I need you to proof these.” She handed me two stacks and then turned right back around. I walked back out of her office. I got to work, and about an hour later my fingers and eyes hurt. I stood up, did some stretching and then took a quick potty break. There were more papers on my desk when I got back with the note additional research needed. Maybe Derek was right and I should be nicer, but I wasn’t the type for politicking. At lunch time, I sat outside by myself with my planner and pen enjoying the warm sunshine. I was brainstorming different jobs I might want. At the top of the list was writer, but Derek said I wouldn’t make enough money for it to be worth it. Next on the list was bookstore or ice cream stand. I knew of the perfect location for the bookstore, but we didn’t have startup money and that would be a key requirement. So I wrote down, research finance options. I suppose I could go back to school but for what? Journalism, or maybe business? I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I finished eating my yogurt and chips. Then it was time to go back to work. Kathy was waiting for me with a young woman.
“This is Jessica.”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” I reached out my hand and she shook it. Kathy left us and I began to explain the job, where stuff goes and the whole process from start to finish. I gave her my copy of the training manual and set her up in the cubicle next to me for some light reading. I finished the typing up and walked over placing papers in the proper bin. I had just started to proof when I heard “I’ve got a question.”
“Sure.”
“Are we expected to remember all of this?”
“No. Some of it you’ll pick up after awhile. Some things you’ll still look up.”
“Ok. Good. That’s a load off my mind.”
She kept reading and I placed notes on each of the documents I proofed. Those got placed in mailboxes. By that time, it was time to go home.
“Tomorrow I’ll start to show you how to do some of the basics that way it’s not quite so boring.”
“Ok. See you tomorrow.”
I shut down my computer leaving the research for tomorrow, and headed for home.
“Smells wonderful in here”, I said.
“Good. How was work today?”
“Not too bad. How ‘bout for you?”
“Great. They’re talking about potentially promoting someone to handle all the logistics,” Derek said.
“Is it a possibility for you?”
“It would be a long shot, there are others with more experience but we’ll see.”
Derek made chicken parmesan for dinner. I cleaned up the mess hoping and praying maybe. I went to bed with dreams of penning best selling novels.

The next day, I got to work and Kathy was waiting for me. She was mad.
“I need that research now,” she hissed, “can’t trust you to do anything.” I opened my mouth to respond, but followed Derek’s advice for once and did not argue with her. I sat right down and got to work. An hour later it was done. I handed it directly to her. She said nothing, but just handed me another stack of papers that needed proofed. Jessica was waiting for me. I showed her how to log in to her computer and her work queue. There was already a task waiting for her. I watched her open it and read the directions for the document that needed prepped.
“Here, this is the section in the manual that gives you step by step directions of what needs done. Let me see it before you turn it in.”
“Ok.”
I started to proof documents, but my mind wandered slightly. I had an idea for the novel I wanted to write. ‘Maybe I can sneak in a little writing time,” I thought to myself. I quickly finished my proofing. I pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and started writing romantic scenes with elegant ladies and knights in shining armor. Just before lunch, I checked on Jessica.
“I think I’m almost done.”
“Good. I’ll check it after lunch.”
I continued writing during lunch totally neglecting the food I had brought. Jessica’s work was excellent and she submitted it. The next item popped up on her queue. I watched her get all set up with the manual, gave her the thumbs up sign and went back to my desk. There were two items in my queue, which I finished quickly.
Louella leaned over the side of the cubicle, “rumor has it that she knows the head of the firm.”
“Says who,” I asked?
“People. Did you do the proofing?”
“Yeah. Why?’
“I like it when you do it. It’s quick and painless. Uh oh, here she comes.”
Louella quickly sat back down.
“What is this note here,” Kathy pointed to a section on the page.
I read the note, “exactly what the manual says should be there.”
“Well I want you to change it. It’s not right.”
“What isn’t right about it?”
“It’s in the wrong spot.”
I took the paper back, but didn’t say anything. I knew that I was right. If I changed it, then I would get yelled at again for doing it wrong. I considered directly emailing the attorney, but decided to talk to Derek first. I checked on Jessica again. That project was perfect as well. I spent the last few minutes penning a few more words. When I got home, I started dinner of meatloaf and potatoes. While that was baking, I checked my email. My best friend Sam forwarded me an email about a writing contest, where the winner got their book published by a major publishing house. I just needed 10,000 words by the end of the week. Voting starts on Saturday and lasts until the end of the month. The top three got sent to the publisher and the winner is announced a week later.
“What are you so happy about,” Derek asked?
I jumped, “I heard from Sam.”
“Ah. She didn’t send you more writing stuff did she?”
“Yes. She did.”
Derek pursed his lips, “I wish she would stop filling your head with those foolish ideas.”
I said nothing, but walked past him to set the table.
“I’m sorry honey. I shouldn’t be so harsh with you. Forgive me?”
“Of course. Dinner is about ready.”
“Good. I’m hungry.”
We ate and he cleaned up the dishes. I snuck in some writing while he worked.
“If I want to put in a vacation day for Friday, any objections?”
“No. I think a long weekend will do you some good,” he said.
I read for a little while before falling asleep.

Wednesday and Thursday went by and I snuck in some more time to write, whenever I could. The novel was really starting to take shape. Friday morning rolled around. Derek left and I started typing. I got to 7,000 words. I continued writing and typing. I took one more look at the work I had done and then submitted the 10,000 words, my hopes and dreams going with it. I worked on some laundry, but the novel kept calling back to me. I wrote scene after scene. I glanced up in enough time to see that it was almost 5pm. I ordered pizza for dinner and texted Derek to pick it up on the way home. I had the tv trays set up and the plates and glasses out when he got home. I kissed him and he handed me the movie, “I heard this was good,” he said.
I looked and he picked up Law Abiding Citizen, “ok.”
We started watching the movie and eating, but I didn’t finish dinner.
“Wasn’t that great,” he said?
“The plot was good, but I hated all the blood.”
“Somebody said it would be that way.”
“And you didn’t warn me?” I put my hand on his belly.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think to. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” He wrapped his arms around me and enveloped my lips in a long slow kiss. He led me into the bedroom where he made love to me and then fell asleep. I laid wide awake. Quietly, I crawled out bed and went back to work on my novel. I fell asleep in the easy chair.

I woke up to the feel of someone tapping on my shoulder.
“What’s this,” Derek asked? He was holding my writing.
“Just some thoughts.”
“Don’t try that with me. You are writing again.”
“Yeah, so? It makes me happy.”
“Just so long as it’s just foolish musings and doesn’t turn serious.”
“I know. We’ve argued about that before.”
“Good. Are you going to make breakfast?”
“Sure.” I got up and got out cereal bowls, milk, and juice, “breakfast.”
“That wasn’t what I had in mind.”
I headed out the door and went for a walk to clear my head.
When I got back he was using his laptop in the office. He’d made eggs and toast for breakfast, but left the dishes. I was cleaning the frying pan when the phone rang.
“Hi Sam.”
“Hi Abby. Its good to hear your voice.”
“What’s new?”
“Nothing much. I just got done teaching a yoga class. My studio is doing well.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
“What about you?”
“Same old, everyday.”
“I saw you posted it. I’ve got everyone I know reading and voting. Abby it’s really good. Not what I expected from you.”
“Some things just come to you.”
I know. Listen, I need to go. I’ll keep in touch.”
“Alright, I’ll email you later.”
“Sounds good. Bye.”
I hung up the phone and grabbed a piece of fruit and a glass of milk. I put on old clothes and headed outside to work in the flower garden. I hammered and cut pieces to fix an old trellis. Then I weeded the flower beds. I finally cut a few fresh blooms to bring inside. He was still working in the office. I cleaned up and then made the Saturday grocery list. I left without saying goodbye. I cried the whole way for my life that had no life. I came back with food and put it away. Derek finally came out, “thank you for letting me get some work done today.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’ll fix supper tonight.”
“I appreciate that.” I headed into the office and sat down.
“What are you doing,” he asked?
“Sending Sam an email. I promised her I would.”
“Ok. Tell her I say hi.”
“Will do.” I logged onto the contest website. My story already had 25 votes. I smiled and closed my eyes in glee. Just as quickly, I came back to reality, voted and then logged onto my email. Dear Sam, I’m glad you called today. I miss you. When can we get together? Derek says hi. Love, Abby. I sent the email and then checked to see when the library books were due, Monday. I turned off the screen and came out.
“How soon before dinner?”
“Ten minutes, maybe.”
I sat down with my pen and continued the story.
“Dinner’s ready,” he said.
I put down the paper. I walked into the dining room. He cooked steak, roasted potatoes, and tossed salad. “Looks yummy.”
I took a small piece of steak and he took the rest. I filled the rest of my plate with potatoes and salad. The only sounds were utensils against the plates.
“What would you like to do this evening,” I asked?
“I thought we could watch tv and eat ice cream.”
“Sure. I’ll clean up. You find something good.”
He got up and I loaded the dishwasher, wiped down the table and counters. I sat down in the easy chair.
“Find anything good,” I asked?
“Yeah, this hockey game. Isn’t it great?”
“Spectacular.”
He turned back towards the show. I picked up my writing.
“You’re ignoring me,” he said.
“I’m sorry. What can I get for you?”
“Some attention please.”
I got up and sat next to him. He pulled me in close. I was ready to snuggle. He started to touch and kiss, and then without asking he made love to me right on the couch. After he was done, he went right back to watching tv. I decided to go and take a shower. Tears fell down my face. I finished and crawled into bed and fell asleep.

When I woke up, Derek was still sleeping. I logged in. I was up to 50 votes and in the lead. People were posting comments, amazing, can’t wait to read more. I checked email. Sam had written back. Tell Derek hi. I wanted to say you are not the same girl. Where did all your energy and spirit go? Find it again before you go crazy. I’m planning a visit in two weeks. See you then. Love, Sam. I got up from the computer. I pulled out bacon, eggs, and biscuits, and started the coffee. When it was done, I brought him breakfast in bed.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Hi.”
“Sam says hi back.”
“Breakfast smells good.”
I sat and enjoyed it with him. He took a shower and we got ready for church. Then we went over to my parent’s house for dinner. They were all laughing over something the pastor had said. I just sat listening, thinking about my novel and the words Sam had said to me. We got in the car and headed for home.
“You were quiet during dinner,” Derek said.
“I was just thinking.”
“If you say your writing I’m going to explode.”
“So what? I was thinking about it.”
“Why can’t you just be normal?”
“Because I’m me and that’s who you fell in love with.”
“I was hoping you would grow out of it.”
“Well I didn’t. Why do you have such an issue with it?”
“Because it’s not practical.”
“Not everything has to be practical.”
Derek stopped and paused for a second, “You’re right. It doesn’t. I just don’t want to see you give up a good job for something that’s not going anywhere.”
“Who says it’s not going anywhere?”
“I meant for you. It is really hard to break into.”
“That’s true. It takes work just like with everything else.”
“Are you prepared for that?”
“Yes. What’s it going to take to let me try?”
“Let me think on it.”
“Ok.”
Derek walked over and turned the football game on. My heart felt lighter than it had in weeks. I did some laundry and was happy. I went to bed with a smile on my face.
The days went by and I kept writing. Derek wasn’t saying anything else about it, but at least we were not fighting. Everyday I kept checking the votes. They were going up, and up, and up. The end of the month came and I was in the top 3. The easy part was over. The novel was up to about 60,000 words and the book was almost done.
I got home from work one Tuesday afternoon a week later. Derek had candles lit and flowers on the table. He was making alfredo.
“What’s the occasion,” I asked?
“You remember that promotion?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I interviewed for it and they gave it to me.”
“Honey,” I ran over and hugged him, “that’s exciting.”
“I’ll be getting a huge raise and my own office.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
We sat down for dinner. “I wanted to talk to you,” Derek said.
“About what?”
“Writing.”
“What about it?”
“I’ve done a lot of thinking and you do deserve the opportunity to try and make it work. On one condition?”
“What’s that?”
“If it doesn’t you go back to work, no complaints.”
“No complaints.”
“If you can show me over the next few months while you are still working that you can earn money. You can quit.”
My face fell, “how am I supposed to accomplish that while working full time?”
“I thought you would be excited that I’m going to let you write.”
I got up from the table, “First off I don’t need your permission to write. Secondly, the amount of commitment it takes to write is a full time job, so unless you are taking over the housework and everything else. You’ve just set an impossible standard for me to meet.”
I walked away from the table clenching and unclenching my fists. I crawled into bed too angry and too depressed to do anything else. “What did I expect from husband? Go ahead, I’m making more money, quit your job, see what happens?” Big fat tears fell down my face. I finally fell asleep.
The next morning I went through the morning routine. Kathy was waiting for me when I got in.
“Come with me.” I walked past her office to the managing partner’s office.
“Please have a seat,” he said, “up until now you have always done impeccable work, but late last night I discovered a huge mistake that almost cost us the case. Luckily we caught it in time.”
He handed me the memo. I read it remembering the memo. “I didn’t write this,” pointing to the mistake.
“It came from your queue.”
“I wrote the memo, but not that.”
“Whether you did, or didn’t. It has been decided to let you go. We will be giving you a severance package.”
Tears started to fall. He handed me a tissue, “a month for all your hard work.”
I walked back to my cubicle and then out the door with all my stuff. How was I going to tell Derek? I called him anyways.
“Honey.”
“Why are you calling me?”
“I just got let go for a mistake I didn’t make.”
There was silence on the other end of the line.
“They’re giving me severance for a month.”
“Ok. You should be able to find something by then.”
I drove home and picked up my novel.

On Friday, May 13th, a week and a half later the phone rang. I picked it up.
“Hello.”
“”Hi, this is Winter Publishing Group., we want to offer you a publishing contract for your book.”
I held back a scream, “that’s fantastic.”
“I’m hoping you’ll tell me that you have more written for the book.”
“I do, about 90,000 words and I think it’s done.”
“Excellent. Email me the whole thing. J.Huet at Winter.com. A courier should be arriving shortly with a contract for you to sign and an advance check for $25,000.”
I dropped the phone and then immediately picked it back up again.
“I’m sorry.”
“It happens all the time. I look forward to working with you.”
“You as well.”
“Bye now.”
I sat down in the middle of the floor until I heard the knock. I read through the contract making sure I was keeping the rights for my work. I signed the contract. The courier handed me a copy and the envelope with a check.
“Good day,” he said and he left.
Derek got home awhile later.
“What are you cooking,” he asked?
“Lobster.”
His eyes got really big, “why?”
“I just got a publishing contract and an advance check.”
“For how much?”
“$25,000.”
His mouth hit the floor, “I guess you are that good. You can stop looking and start writing.”
I walked over and kissed him passionately forgetting all about dinner.