Caramel Kisses

Chapter 2: First Step Forward

Mr. Burns sits up and clears his throat "Ms. Nash, you are a valuable employee, and we do recognize your talents and what you bring to this company. That is exactly why we can't afford to lose you." A bit stunned by his statement, "What do you mean by that? Lose me sir?"

"Well, it is exactly as I've said. We can not afford to lose you. You are one of our top attorneys and with you on our team we can't lose. We know that whatever case we may give you, it's going to be well taken care of. If you were given those promotions, you would be moved to your own unit to manage your own team. As a whole, we would take a hit, we just figured it would be better to keep you where you are striving and making a difference." He stated matter-of-factly with a smile on his face as if that was supposed to provide me with solace. I was a little taken back, so they did recognize my worth, but just felt it was better to keep me put to save themselves.

I couldn't help the snappy tone that came next "So, since I'm a great employee I'm being forced to stay in my current role, is that what you're telling me? Doesn't that seem a bit unfair? Shouldn't I have a say on this since it concerns me!" frustration evident in my voice, Mr. Burns looks a bit shocked. " I think you're taking this the wrong way. You should be happy that we see your value, and we want to keep you. What's so wrong with staying where you are? Who knows in another three years or so you could get that promotion" he states, still grinning as if this all makes sense.

The words keep repeating in my head "What's wrong with being where I am?" The long days and nights I had sacrificed were in vain. The family vacations and holidays I missed out on getting ahead were for nothing. They had no intention of promoting me, they were going to keep me where I was as long as they saw fit. The hurt and frustration started to boil up in me. To realize that all my hard work was amounting to nothing was too much. I couldn’t stop the words that slipped and followed after.

“I quit”, I said more to myself than to Mr. Burns.

“Excuse me Ms. Nash?” Mr. Burns' smile had disappeared. He now had a confused expression on his face.

“I QUIT” I shouted a bit louder. “Find someone else to be your golden goose. I will no longer stay here and get treated like this”, the words just spilled out and I couldn't stop them. It was all happening so fast. It felt like I was having an outer body experience. Standing up from the chair, I straightened my back and made my way to the door.

“You’re making a mistake, and you will regret that. You should just calm down and reconsider” Mr. Burns shouts after me as I reach the door.

I stopped at the door with my hand on the knob, I turned back to face Mr. Burns,“I may come to regret this, and it could be a big mistake, but at least it is my decision.” I retorted and closed the office door. I made my way back to my office. Passing people that I'm sure heard the commotion. I reached my office and closed the door behind me. I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I take several breathes to calm my nerves, so many thoughts are running through my head. I paced back and forth trying to grasp what I had just done. Debating if I should walk back down there and apologize for my outburst. He would probably understand it was a intense moment and emotions were high with the recent promotion. Racking my brain really trying to come to terms with what I just did.

A light knock came from my door. Journey pushes the door lightly open, holding take out with a concerned look on her face.“ I grabbed you something to eat. Is everything okay?” I took a deep breath and pushed out the words. “ I just quit"; Journey chokes a bit on her drink. “WHAT!?!?!” she yells out. “Shh not so loud, I don't want to draw any more attention than I already have”

“Why did you go and do a thing like that? She blurts out now pacing a hole in my floor,“I don't know, it kind of just happened! I was so angry from my conversation with Mr. Burns and with them choosing Mark over me. It kind of just boiled up and came out" Journey sighs with her hand on her head. "Maybe you can go back and apologize. I'm sure they'll take you back." I stopped in place, taking in everything that had happened. If I go back and apologize, nothing will change. I'll go back to working hard to fit the role they want me too. Another cog in the wheel to make their lives easier. But what about my life? I had sacrificed a lot of waiting for them to notice me only to find out they had noticed, but wanted me to sit quietly and play my role.

I turned towards Journey with a bit more resolve," I can't allow them to stop me from reaching my goals. I want more for myself, I was meant to do great things and I won't allow anyone to put a limit on how great I can be."

Journey nods, walking over to me as she engulfs me in a big bear hug.“ This place won't be the same without you and I know you are destined for great things no matter where you go.” Journey always knows what to say to put me at ease; returning the hug, I let out a sigh" You're just saying that to make me feel better." we both let out a laugh, as we pulled away to look at each other. Journey always has a way of putting me at ease and making me feel like I could conquer anything. With a new-found determination, I feel a bit more ready to take on whatever lies ahead.

**PRESENT**

Rolling down the window, I felt the breeze rushing past my face. It feels good on my skin; it's a feeling I haven't felt in a while. Working in New York, stole this experience since I mostly used the subway. I smell the fresh scent of flowers traveling in the breeze, making me feel nostalgic. It's a huge contrast to the bustling city. It brought back memories from my childhood with my brother and I outside during spring, chasing each other around the house. Even though I was heading home feeling a bit like a failure, this drive felt calming. With the hum of the vehicle as the only melody playing in my ear. I let out a sigh, in a whisper or more like a small prayer, I said “God, Universe or whoever may be out there, please let this be the right decision”. At that moment, my phone started to ring.