| Subject: |
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FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Part 1 |
| Name: |
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William |
| Date Posted: |
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May 31, 06 - 4:06 PM |
| Email: |
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butlerwm@hotmail.com |
| Message: |
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This story was the originally the result of a writing assignment. We were told to write a story on any subject we want, but it had to open with a man holding a cup of coffee.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Mark took a sip of coffee, glanced at his watch then turned to stare out the window. Light rain fell, wetting the pavement and reflecting the headlights of passing cars. As he ran a hand through his hair he set the cup down and wondered why he felt so anxious.
Reaching in a coat pocket, he extracted a small box and opened the lid. Even in the dim light the ring's diamond sparkled.
He met Helen two years earlier. They fell in love before either of them really knew what was happening. In the time that passed she had never been prompt. In fact, tardiness was one of her more reliable traits. Yet some small voice in the back of his mind told him this time was different. This time something was wrong.
He raised a hand and caught the waitress’s attention. When she stood beside him she smiled.
"She late again?" The woman asked.
"Yeah." Mark returned the smile. "Can I get another cup while I'm waiting?"
"Sure."
The woman moved away and Mark went back to his musings.
Across town, Helen sat behind the desk in her small office. The room was dark except for the dim glow that poured through the window from a street lamp. She sat staring at the blank wall across the room, toying with a pencil. Her thoughts were confused and while she had not forgotten the dinner engagement, it was no longer high on her list of priorities.
A knock at the door broke her concentration and caused her to sit straight in the chair. The door opened without a sound, swung inward and a tall, slender woman stood silhouetted in the light from the outer office.
"Hello, mother." Helen's heavy voice was course, almost gravely. "What took you so long?"
Rachel stepped in and the door closed behind her.
"And what made you so sure I'd come?"
Helen stood and moved around to the front of the desk where she leaned back and crossed her arms.
"I know you. Like I said, I'm surprised it took you this long. I expected you quite some time ago."
"Okay..." Rachel turned and sat on a sofa in front the desk, "so where should we start? I know, how about with I told you so."
"So you did." Helen twisted her mouth in thought. "But it's a little late for that. In fact there's not really much to discuss. I'm on my way to meet Mark and tell him about the baby."
"You're a fool!"
Helen smiled.
"I expected that too."
CONTINUED
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