Caramel Kisses

Driving along the highway as cars whip past in a blur has me in a trance. The last couple of weeks came and went and here I am trudging down the highway on my way to an unknown future. Feels like it was just yesterday. I had my whole life planned out with so many dreams and aspirations. Now I'm in a moving truck with all of my belongs headed back home. Dedicating six years to my previous law firm and getting looked over for yet another promotion. I couldn't understand what I might have been doing wrong or what I was lacking. After the announcement of the new appointment, I approached my supervisor to inquire about the decision. What came out of Mr. Burn's mouth ultimately pushed me towards my decision. **FLASHBACK** Nervously twirling my fingers under the table while I sat and waited for the morning meeting to begin. "This is it!" It is finally my time to be promoted. I was at the top of my law firm with the most cases closed and case wins of that year. There was no way they could pass me over this time, I thought. After the second time, I started to work even harder. Long days turned into long nights, then into weekends, which turned into working through the holidays. I would feel bad about missing special occasions, but I would always justify it by stating this was what I wanted and this was to better my future and to help my parents. I hear my best friend Journey clear her throat, snapping me out of my daydream. We met at law school and ended up applying to the same firm. It made it alot easier to have a person I could vent my frustration too, who would understand exactly what I felt. She was one of the best corporate lawyers the firm has, she was easy to get along with and had the most infectious bubbly personality. Journey plopped herself down on the seat next to me with a huff, placing her coffee mug on the table. "Goodness girly, you look like you're about to pass out" she said while letting out a laugh and smacking my arm. I let out a dry laugh, trying not to show how on edge I was "I know, I always just psych myself out before these meetings, Mr. Burns is going to announce who will become the next in-house counsel for the company." Journey knows how hard I've worked and how badly I want this promotion. She saw me through alot of the long weekends. She would come over sometimes to just hang out while I worked or drop off food out of fear that I wasn't eating. She sees the stress etched on my face and places her hand on my shoulder." You got this Mari, you are the best! They would be crazy not to pick you. You've worked harder than anyone here, and they know it" A reassuring smile graces her face, and it makes me relax a bit. She was right, I was always complimented on how I handed myself in court and, in my cases, they definitely noticed the effort I put into my work. As people begin to shuffle into the boardroom, two loud claps are heard from the head of the table. "Alright everyone, please start to take your seats so we can get this meeting started" Mr. Burns makes his way to the head of the table and takes his seat. We make eye contact for a brief moment, while he shuffles his papers, and he gives me a slight smile. This one simple notion gives me a sense of reassurance that today might be my day. I can't help the butterflies that are filling my stomach as I anticipate the announcement. Mr. Burns' voice brings me back from my thoughts. "We have a couple of things that we have to go over today and I have an announcement to make. As you all know, Judy will be retiring this year, and we have been searching for her replacement. I would like to say firstly that you have all been outstanding this year and I appreciate all the work you guys have done for the company. The board and I have decided on who will take her spot." It seems like the world around me is now in slow motion as I wait for the words to come out of Mr. Burns' mouth. "The position will be filled by....." as if I had no control over my body, I slowly started to rise from my seat, with a huge grin on my face. At that moment, as the room started to slow, I heard what I was not expecting. "The position will be filled by Mark Ritche", Mr. Burns' words echoed inside my head as the room filled with cheers and congratulatory notions. I catch a glimpse of Journey's face as sadness is etched across it. I slowly sat back down in my chair, and I caught a couple of people that had noticed me shift in my seat staring my way. I began to clap for Mark, but in my head it was a storm brewing. I couldn't believe it, Mark.?! He had only been here for two years. I get it his father was a big sponsor for the company, but he was a horrible lawyer. He hadn't put in the work like I had and, for the most part, he spent most of his time-out playing golf with "clients". The embarrassment that filled me was immeasurable. Everyone knew how hard I had been working for this promotion. I caught the not-so subtle glances as the meeting continued, everyone trying to gauge my emotions. I can only imagine what the look on my face was. I even caught Mark glancing at me as he shot me a knowing smirk. The meeting continued, and I sat there in a fog of my own thoughts. A few times I caught Journey glancing at me to see if I was okay. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of people making their way out of the room. Journey gets up and turns to look at me. I plaster a small smile and motion for her to leave "I'll catch up with you for lunch" I say, she nods and walks out of the room. I sat there still in shock at what had just unfolded. Thinking about it makes me angry. In a burst of anger, I jumped up from my chair and made a B-line for my supervisor's office. As I made my way down the hall to on-lookers, I probably looked like an angry bull on the loose. But I didn't care, I needed answers, and I was going to get them. I stopped in front of Mr. Burns office and took a deep breath to calm myself before I knocked on the door. *Knock* I poke my head in and Mr. Burns motions me in, directing me to one of the large leather chairs positioned in front of his desk. "Good Afternoon Mr. Burns, I had a couple of questions about the new appointment" Mr. Burns leans back slightly in his chair and zeros in on me with his eyes peaking above his glasses. " Yes, yes! Please ask away! I have an open-door policy, so feel free to say whatever is on your mind." with a hint of knowing that this conversation was bound to happen. I let out a breath, calming my mind because I didn't want this to come out the wrong way. "As you are aware, I am a hard worker, reliable and always on my A game. You have put your faith in me several times and I always perform, above your expectations, as you've stated many times" as I speak, Mr. Burns nods along with my words in agreement. " With that being said, I would like to know what made me disqualified for this promotion and the two before."