So I've had this story in my mind for several months now, so I thought I would write it here for you.
** This story is an original of Kelli Wait, no copying or use of this story is allowed without express permission by me.
A Prevailing Theory
I had only been working here for nine months when it happened. I didn't know the whole story, but I knew that she had left him. There were many theories, but no one had the real scoop. The prevailing theory was that she had an affair and left him, but I don't know that I believe that one. Something certainly happened though.
Everyone tells me I should have been here a few months before, so I could understand how much better it was, but I have no complaints. My boss is great, and while he might have moods, he's never yelled at me, and he certainly has respect for everyone who works under him. After my long career history I have nothing to complain about.
I just wish he weren't so sad. I've seen just a couple of pictures of her, and she is beautiful. I always wondered if she is as sad as he is. Today I found out. I knew something was causing a stir, but all I saw was a woman walking confidently toward me. She had on a black skirt, a bright pink blouse, black trench coat, and a black and white Kate Spade bag. I didn't know all the clients by face, and while she looked familiar it took me a moment to place her. By then she was looking at me with an expression that might have been a smile, but wasn't, but still a pleasant expression.
"Is he with a customer?" Her voice was soft, but still commanded attention.
"No." I said mimicking her tone and unsure of what else to say.
"I'll be a few minutes." and then she left.
I went to pick up the phone and tell him that she was here, but I hesitated and it was too late.
"Hi." she said. I couldn't see into the office, but I could certainly imagine the scene. I saw her looking up from under her lashes as she said it and he would look up at her unsure if he was seeing right...
"What are you doing here?" there was anger in his voice, but it wasn't the only emotion.
"I need to discuss something with you." Again her voice was calm and smooth, and I could only imagine the tension between the two of them.
"I thought we were through talking three months ago." Sarcasm raced through the sentence and I knew he was still sitting down, neither party had really moved yet.
I heard a small rustling and knew she had taken a step, "If that were true you wouldn't have left that way."
I didn't know what that meant, but the silence that followed indicated it was a charge against him.
When he spoke there was still venom in his tone, "I had thought you would have wanted it that way."
I wanted to see in, but I imagine that once again the barb didn't disturb her, and when she spoke it was much softer and harder to hear, "Is that what you think now? That I'm just a one night stand?"
I felt that sting and her hurt. I heard him stand up and I feared for a moment he would see I was still listening in, but he moved from his desk. "I've never thought that." he reassured her and as he did so I could tell the fight had left him, "But what are you doing here?" his imploring had me on the edge.
"I'm coming home. I realize I've made some big mistakes, and we need to work through them, and I needed to be home for that." Her voice was still soft, stronger this time, and I wondered if she had her head up looking into his eyes waiting for his answer.
"Why now?" He asked her, his voice somewhat neutral.
"I was always planning on coming home at the end of the year, but something has happened that forced me to speed it up." She hesitated and once again I could imagine her looking at him, gauging his reaction, and deciding to push through.
There was another rustling and I didn't know what it was but I heard a small gasp. And with brief certainty I knew she was pregnant. It all started to click into place for me, but I was still glued to the phone as I listened intently for any sign of anything.
I was prepared for any question, but the one he asked with awe still in his voice was, "Why...Why?"
I didn't see her shake her head, but that is what I envisioned, "I-I wanted to tell you, but after everything..." she paused for a moment, "I didn't even realize it until I was nearly eight weeks along, and then I was just holding my breath.."
Something struck me then, that perhaps their story had nothing to do with other people as much as the loss of something else. My heart went out to them at that moment, and while I still felt like an intruder I couldn't stop. I wanted to hear, my heart wanted to hear the completion that it felt must happen.
"Would you have told me if..." he too trailed off
"Of course, I just.. with everything up in the air I panicked for a couple of weeks. Then I got my stuff together and set up everything to come home. I didn't want to tell you over the phone."
"When did you get back to town?"
"Yesterday. I'm staying with my parents at the moment."
"Do they know?" Somehow he seemed like he would be hurt if the answer was yes.
"Not because I told them. You know how my mother is."
There was a small chuckle, "I do."
There was silence for a few minutes and I felt then was a good time to quit listening. It wasn't because I didn't want more details, but I knew I would find out soon enough. Based on the months I had been here I had a good feeling of which path the couple would choose.
The End.
I hope you enjoyed it!
I Told You So
by Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis
Much Love,
Kelli
