The Power Within

Chapter One

Twenty-four years later:

"Ohmygosh, Kiley!" Becca screamed, "I cannot believe you are finally going on vacation! Where are you going? When are you going? How long will be gone?" Becca asked, bouncing up and down in her chair, while she talked. 

I laughed at my friend's enthusiasm. Becca and I have been friends for over four years. We have been close ever since our first day on the job.  Well, as close as I can be to a human. I thought to myself.

"I am going to a small town up in northern Michigan, they have beautiful light houses, picturesque scenery,  and..."

Becca shook her head, and held up her hand to stop me. "You are taking a vacation to work?" She accused me.

"Well," I said sheepishly, "sort of. But I will be taking pictures of things I want to take pictures of, not these annoyingly, beautiful models." 

I am a photographer for Klose-Ups, a fashion/beauty magazine here in Chicago. I have been working here since I graduated from college. Now, after four years, I am finally taking some time off, just for myself. I cannot wait to sleep in, have no schedule, and do whatever I want for an entire week. 

"Did you want to do anything tonight before you leave tomorrow?" Becca asked, turning her desk chair back around to face her computer. 

"Not really." I answered her. "I still have to finish packing, and clean out my truck."

Becca gave me a look of disbelief, "You are driving your old truck?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, ma'am." 

Becca shook her head, her short blond hair flying around her face. "That old thing is going to break down and leave you on the side of the road." She said, pointing her finger at me. 

I waved my hand in the air. "Nah, me and the old truck go way back. Jake takes care of me because I take care of him."

Becca gave a short laugh. "I still do not know why you named your truck 'Jake'." 

"Um, because that is his name, duh." I answered her with a sarcastic tone. 

Becca shook her head at me again. "Well, it is about time for me to get my skinny butt out of here. I guess, I will see you next week. Please call me when you get to your hotel tomorrow." She said, after shutting her computer down. She gathered her purse and jacket. Becca walked the few short steps over to my workstation. I stood up to give her a small hug. 

"I will let you know when I get there. I will be fine, don't worry so much." I said.

"You are my friend. It is my job to worry about you." She told me. 

I watched her walk away. Shaking my head at her, I sat back down at my workstation. I needed to finish up these few pictures before I left. 

The pictures only took me a half-hour to finish. I put them in the folder, and headed to my boss's office. Jannie has been the boss of Klose-Ups ever since they started 15 years ago. She is the one who hired me straight out of college. 

I knocked on her door. "Come in." 

"Hey, Jannie, here are the remaining photos from that shoot you wanted." I said and handed her the folder.

"Oh, that is great. Thank you, Kiley." Jannie opened the folder and gave the pictures a quick glance. "These look amazing, as always. You deserve this time off. Go, enjoy. Just make sure to come back to us." She said, with a small smile.

"Thank you, Jannie. I will be back before you know it." I gave her a small salute, and headed out.