Page 2 of Everything I Need

Five Years Later

“Jameson, Niles? Really? He's been here for one year!” I am seething, pacing back and forth in Niles’ office.

“Scarlett, keep your voice down and don’t speak to me like that, I am your boss. It is up to me who gets the promotion and Jameson has proven himself.” He continues shuffling papers around on his desk, as if what I'm saying is completely irrelevant to him.

Niles doesn’t care who proves themselves. It is all about who gives him whatever he wants in the moment. Jameson has just introduced Niles to his sister, who is now Niles’ new flavor of the week. I scoff at the thought.

“Proven himself?! Niles, I have given you seven years of my life. I have worked my ass off for this company forsevenyears! This is the third time you are passing me over for a guy who's been here a fraction of the time!” I’m practically screaming, drawing the attention of whoever is still left in the office at this hour.

“I’m sorry Scarlett, this is how it's going to go. Maybe if you work hard enough and stop slacking off, we can give you that promotion next time.” He’s got to be kidding. Most of the clients are only here because of me. I put in the time to cultivate relationships, not him. I put in the effort to get to know each client of this marketing firm on a personal and business level, not him. And especially not Jameson.

I turn to look out his corner office window. It is a breathtaking view of the Boston skyline at sunset. Yes sunset, in summer, because I work from sun up to after sun down. Yet here I am getting passed over; again. My anger is coming off me in waves.

I’ve given up so much over the last seven years. I have given up time with my family, which has destroyed my relationship with my sisters, especially after Niles threatened to fire me if I left the office again to go home when they took my father off life support. I will never get that back. And for what?

I spin around to face Niles, “You know what, Niles? I’m done. I quit. Good luck finding someone to replace me.”

With that I storm out of his office.

Niles’ jaw is on the floor. I think he is as shocked as I am that I just did that.

I ran to my cubicle to pack my things, my heels loudly clacking on the marble floor. My anger only increases each time I see an office with a view for someone else who was promoted over me.

Luckily, I make it home before freaking out and taking it all back.

What have I done?I say this to my mirrored reflection because I have no one else to say it to.

Ever since my father’s death I have barely spoken to any of my sisters. We keep in touch via Mom, but that’s about it. The only friend I really have in the city is my old assistant Lexis. I wouldn’t even call her a friend, we’re more acquaintances, meeting up every couple of months, updating each other on life, she gets the office gossip, and we go on with our lives.

As I lay on my couch, trying to figure out what I can do, the most brilliant idea comes to me.

My Mom, she offers the safety of home. I can go home for the summer and figure out what to do with my life next. My lease is up soon, I have no friends or boyfriend since my work was my comfort blanket, and now I don’t have that either.

In a panic, I jump off the couch grabbing my phone from the table. I dial Mom’s number. Hope springs inside me.

Mom answers on the second ring, “My Sweet Scarlett, how are you?”

She always greets me the same way, ever since I was a child, My Sweet Scarlett. I love that name, it always makes me feel special, which can be hard growing up with three other sisters.

“Mom, I quit my job.” I blurt out without greeting her.

I hear a sharp intake of breath on the other line, and I know mom is trying her best to figure out what to say. She isn’t sure if this is good news or bad news, so I continue, “Niles gave Jameson the promotion. I don’t know what came over me, I just quit. Right there. In his office.”

“Oh, Sweet Scarlett, are you okay?” I hear the worry in her voice that I've acted so out of character.

“No, Mom. I’m not. I’m freaking out. I don’t quit my job. I don’t question Niles,ever. I’m logical, and it takes me months to make a decision. It took me two months to decide which protein powder to switch to. Yet here I am, quitting my job without more than a two second thought. I have nothing and no one here in Boston anymore. So, I was thinking, if you don’t mind, I would really like to come home for the summer. Figure things out.” I click purchase on my bus ticket before getting her response.

“Of course, my sweet girl! I would love nothing more than to have you home! When were you thinking of coming?” I knew Mom would be supportive. She’s always supportive even if she doesn’t agree with our choice. My sister Willow’s current situation is proof of that.

“Well, about that, I already booked a ticket on the afternoon bus. I’ll be in the city at 6:30 tomorrow.” I tell her sheepishly.

“Oh, how marvelous! I can leave the senior center early. I will be there to pick you up. We can go to that quaint little diner on the way home for fries and sundaes!” Her voice kicks up a notch and I can hear the excitement in her tone that I'm finally returning home, even if the amount of time is yet to be defined.

Mom started volunteering at the senior center and I know she loves putting together the activities for the seniors, so it means a lot that she’s willing to leave early for me.

“Thanks, Mom. I knew you’d be the one to call. You’re always there for me.” Mom understands everything I have given up for this job. She’s been trying to get me to quit for a while now, I guess I should have listened.

As I hang up the phone, I feel like I can breathe for the first time since leaving Niles’ office.

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