Chapter 2 – Charlene’s heart raced as the words filtered through her brain and into her heart and soul.

She had helped with much of the pending nuptials and was heart sick. she knew about the bridesmaid’s dresses and the exotic honeymoon to East Africa was now finally completed. She had heard about it all from Joe. She was his secretary after all, and who is closer than a boss and his secretary? She had been helping Joe plan the trip. She had even picked the travel company chosen to plan the honeymoon trip. She had even sent the couples documents in for their visas.

Interestingly, she had sent her application for her visas to the three countries as well. Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania sounded mysterious and exciting to her. She didn’t know why but she had done that. Perhaps it was part of her love fantasy with Joe. Joe didn’t have a clue that Charlene loved him.

“I need to get out of town for a vacation after all of this, Charlene.” I think I’ll go to Africa anyway. I’ve already paid for the trip. If I go perhaps I can get half of my money back.”

Charlene took in a deep breath and looked up from her desk covered in random papers ready to be placed in any number of envelopes. An old Vogue magazine sat neatly tucked under them. She liked to see the fashions worn by movie stars on the red carpet.

“Her’s a thought Joe, why don’t I go with you instead. You have told me so much about your fantastic honeymoon plans that I know the itinerary and the company you had used. I think you might have a better time if you had a friend come along with you. Why don’t I go along with you instead. Just as a platonic travel companion.” “Oh my goodness Charlene, that me a bit awkward.”

“I had been planning on going to that part of the world anyway Joe. Your honeymoon plans just rekindle those thoughts. I have already saved up the money for the trip so why don’t I join you? I have even done a little research on those countries myself, she lied.

Joe had done very little research if the truth were to be known. That was another one of the many reasons for the argument with Susan last night. He had littler clue as to what was in store for him in Africa and seemed to have little interest as far as Susan could tell.

“Let me think of this idea of yours, Charlene. It seems risky at best on the face of it but I’ll give it some serious thought. I’ll come in tomorrow for the meeting. Only call me in case of emergency today. I’ll be busy all afternoon trying to get this Africa mess straightened out.”

“Okay Joe,” was all Charlene had time to say as Joe hung up and the line went dead.

Charlene knew everything about the trip. She and Joe had talked about it for months in the cafeteria. She had sent the paper work in for the visas for both Susan and Joe for Christ’s sake.

Charlene knew that she would be able to take time off when Joe did. He was her main boss. The little work she did for the other editors could be picked up by the girls in the large secretarial pool, so why not. They did this often at her work and she knew it wouldn’t be an issue. She went home with a glimmer of hope in her heart.

In the morning after her short walk from the subway and stopping for a cup of coffee, she found her way up stairs to her desk and pulled up her calendar on her computer and looked it over.

She dressed a little more provocatively this morning thinking that it might help her odds for going on the trip with Joe. Charlene looked up at the grey ceiling and mulled over her chances. She had lots of free time today with Joe coming in late.

Charlene wondered what the odds were that Joe might agree to let her come along. Joe didn’t know how important it was to her. Her broken heart felt a lot better now since the marriage was off for good, this time.

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This is my latest project. “The Bad Seed” first chapter will be up soon.