Ordinary

DeAnne Fleming, turned 50. And yet again, for the 5th consecutive month she was actively looking for a job. Back when she finished her masters degree in business, DeAnne believed she would be off to the races, having her choice of careers. Yet, 200k in loans later, she never made it to the C suite. Had an Executive title, been a manager or even a Supervisor. See, DeAnne didn't like to play games. She figured her unique personality type would lead to great success, being that transparencyxompetence and emotional intelligence were part of her mix. How could she go wrong? So many ways. And while this wasn't a very big deal, because DeAnne's husband Roger was wealthy... somehow that wealth never equated to safety for her. Even after 26 years. DeAnne often pondered how she couldn't grow, but it seemed impossible for her to find security or stability. Though that's what she desired second most. What she desired most was love. Genuine. True. Hell at this point she would even settle for affection. Attention? Each time DeAnne had a child, she was systematically let go. The complications of her pregnancies, the intricacies of trying to be a mother and star employee. Trying to pump milk for a newborn infant at a corporation, without a designated area to do so. The excuses were many and varied. And DeAnne could always see her husbands frustration. The Rectors. They lived a good life. Not too many liabilities or bills, just enough toys to keep up with everyone else, but no love. No heat. Now, DeAnne loved her husband fiercly. Hell, she'd fought her family for the right to call him her own. Maybe that's where the mistakes began. DeAnne pondered, as she aggressively clipped another hydrangea bud. Her oldest daughter Serenity was coming by tonight. She said she had a huge surprise. DeAnne clapped and dusted her hands together, gathering the sacrified buds overflowing her basket. She'd better get dinner started. That night DeAnne was surprised to see all of her children arrive, unannounced. Good thing she knew how to cook for her army and stretch meager offerings into a feast. 4 children. 26 years and four children... she'd given him. And he couldn't even be troubled to be home on time for dinner. Serenity being the oldest daughter by birth order. Then there was Adam. Blake and Charlie (her youngest and most stubborn girl). Serenity arrived last, with a mysterious guest in tow. The statuesque young man dipped his head to enter the doorway. Crinkling one corner of his mouth in greeting to her syblings calling out "Draven"...then his intense gaze found me. He froze, his brow knit... then he smiled. "Mrs. Rector" his deep baritone crawled down my spine.I blushed immediately, Serenity smirked knowingly... then linked her arm with his. "Mom. Meet Draven. My husband." To say the evening went well would be a gross misinterpretation. I mean, they were already wed. What could be do about it now. And shouldn't it 'BE' her choice who she decides to spend her life with? I hope she chose better than I did, I think sullenly as my husband circles around for the millionth time across our bedroom floor. Bemoaning the same arguments over and over. Finally I huffed. "Roger. It's done. They actually don't 'NEED' your permission. The girl is 25 for Gods sake" I rub lotion into my declotage... pulling to see how much more the skin is crepy since yesterday. He growls at me. Actually growls. "But the boy should've at least asked my permission, Anne" he pouted, dropping his pants so his belly bounced a little. I shivered. "It's done. I for one, am happy for her. And I didn't see any 'Boys' at dinner tonight. He's 28 for christs sake." I finished, now lotioning my hands, setting my retainer in my mouth. I walk to the bed, rolling the comforter down. I'm sure tonight I will pull it up, shove it down. Standard procedure, each night as my reward for being born a woman and completing menopause. "Well, I tell you this. I won't be going to see her at this 'Community' she now leads. And they have a long way to be right with me. You just marry my daughter. Take her away and expect me to bless it. No Sir." he grumbled plopping into bed on his side. "Well, I will tell you how it is. I'm going" I say with finality and put out the light on my side.