the Castle on the Hill

Ava sat her cup of coffee down on the counter, glancing up at the clock simultaneously. She still had ten minutes before she needed to leave. Today would begin her second week at the new law firm across town. She did a double take in the mirror, just making sure her mascara and lipgloss were still in place. She adjusted her brown curls over her shoulders, smoothing the pink blouse, making sure none of her coffee dripped.  Perfect.  She glanced back at the clock. Five minutes to go. She slid on the heels beside the front door of her apartment. The click-click-click of heels on the hard wood gave her a sense of badassery that she needed. Boxes littered the family room. She sighed when she noticed them, a rush of anger swept over her.  “No, don’t go there. He is not worth it.”  She muttered.  Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she walked out the front door. Making her way to the elevator, she saw Beth waiting as well. Giving her a warm smile, Ava waved.  “Hey Beth. How are you today?” She asked.  “Good! How are you? You look nice! The new job is going well I take it?” She gave me an approving smile.  “Yeah it’s good. My second week and they haven’t fired me yet. I haven’t worked for so long, I really thought I would not make the cut at a law firm.” “You are wonderful. They probably realize how lucky they are. You killed it in law school.”  “That feels like centuries ago.” Both ladies climbed on the elevator, Beth pressing the Star button for the main floor.  “I get to meet my boss today. He hasn’t been there this past week. He was on vacation or something.” I said, enjoying this professional talk. She hadn’t had a paid profession for years. It was nice to have one again, and to be able to talk about something she was passionate about was nice as well, especially with someone who seemed to genuinely care.  “Of course he was. It must be nice to have the money to go on a luxurious vacation. But that’s why their fees are so ridiculously high.” Beth laughed. Avagiggled at her comment.  Ava wasn‘t sure what the hourly rate was, but she knew lawyers were expensive from first hand experience. She was just there to get coffee and make sure calls went through at this office, she had nothing to do with financials. The elevator doors opened and Ava and Becky wished each other a good day. The click-click-click of her heels on the tile brought that badassery right back through her. She felt untouchable as she made her way out to the street.  Sunshine. That was new for Seattle. She didn't think she had seen a ray of sunshine since she got here, or maybe that’s just because her mood had been so sour. Divorce does that to a woman. Especially when it wasn’t what she saw her life becoming when she gave up everything for that man. Becky was the first person she’d met in this new city, she had helped Ava move the boxes from the hallway into the apartment. They had gone out a few times for a girl’s night. Becky was the friend she needed back home, someone who would support her and encourage her to follow her dreams instead of settle. All her friends in San Diego encouraged her to settle. They encouraged her to stick by her husband’s side time after time, accident after accident, reminding her of the promise she had made to him. Her stomach knotted at the memory.  She continued the walk to her company car waiting. Apparently car service was a part of every employee's salary. As long as it was for work that is. She climbed in, the leather seat cool beneath her legs. Maybe her skirt was too short. She would make a note to put it towards the back of her closet. “Good morning Ms. Parker.” Ed, her driver said.  “Good morning Ed. Please, call me Ava.” She gave him a smile and he chuckled.  Ed took a glance in his side mirror and off they went.