Much thanks to LaRascasse for taking the time to read and edit my story I really appreciate it. I hope you guys enjoy this short and sweet little story.
Much Love,
MixedChick
*
"Goodbye," I haphazardly called to my wife. I grabbed my car keys and looked back in Lauren's direction. As usual, I received no response. I closed the front door to the house that I had lived in for 16 years and the unhappy marriage I've been waiting to get out of for 6 years.
Lauren and I had an understanding that until Ethan, our youngest, goes to college we would stay together. Afterwards, we planned on selling the house, splitting everything down the middle, then going our separate ways. Until then, I say goodbye and leave in the same Toyota Camry that I've had since 2008; on my way to bury myself in the same work I've been doing for 10 years.
As I drive I look around at all of the younger people running, walking their dogs, and pushing baby strollers. It seemed surreal that at one point I had been that age. Now, here I am, in my late forties, and I have established a routine that suits me: gym four days a week, work five; church, football,and family dinner on Sundays. It may seem mundane for now as I wait for my youngest to finish his Junior year.
However, I imagine the life I will have free of the miserable existence burdened by both Lauren and I and it gives me a spark of hope to not die too soon. I drove up to my office and parked in the spot labeled Dr. Hugen. Reflecting on years that have passed long ago, as well as time yet to be spent changed how the day felt. It seemed as though
I have been standing still in a moving picture.
Nothing ever changes. The sunlight casts a daily shadow off the side of the old, washed out, small building I had turned into my practice 10 years ago, with dreams of being the next Dr. Phil. As I walked to my office, I started to think of the ambition I'd once possessed when I was younger; dreams of truly changing lives, and understanding other people's perspective on things.
"Good Morning, Dr. Hugen," came the petite voice of my assistant as I walked through the glass door that held all of the dust particles each gust of wind carried. I blew off a streak of dirt on my sleeve and looked up at Sarah.
"Morning, Sarah. How was your weekend?"
Sarah's bright red lips parted to reveal her slightly yellowed teeth from the Marlboros she
smoked. She was older than me by a couple years but looked as if she could be my own
mother. Time had worn her to her knees and I was happy to give her a small spot in my small world when she had asked for a position.
"It was nice. Criminal Minds reruns played all weekend on television and you know how much I love Hotch."
I shook my head and gave a small chuckle," Anything new and exciting today?"
This remained an old inside joke between us. Sarah and I both knew our clientele, were always the same people. Most days are spent listening to housewives, some older than me, but most my age, who have lost happiness, hope, and ultimately faith in their husbands.
They tell me how they were young once; how they too wanted to see and do more than keep a house and watch children. It used to make me sympathize with how my wife felt but at some point, I just didn't care anymore.
"Actually, Dr. Hugen," Sarah said with slight hesitation in her voice.
My eyebrows rose, "Yes, Sarah."
"Mrs. Walters canceled for today."
I almost thought I had heard her wrong.
"Oh good, my morning is free," this thought was surprisingly unfamiliar, and I searched my memories for the last time that Mrs. Walters had canceled and couldn't seem to find one.
"Actually Dr. Hugen, she was replaced with another client. She had just so happened to call right after Mrs. Walters canceled. She said she needed a male perspective on her life."
"When does she come in?"
"She's here Dr.," Sarah leaned towards me beckoning me to come closer to her. I bent down, "And she's a little cutie, Mr. Hugen. Remember you have a wife at home."
I straightened my back and shook my head waving Sarah's statement off.
"You see how old I am, Sarah?"
"Stop it, you're handsome," she chuckled and went back to playing MineSweeper on her