Note from author:
I know a number of you did not like use of 'the narrator' in my first story. However, I wrote of lot of this story (and a few others) before that first one and I didn't really want to take the time to do a rewrite. Sorry.
In any case, I hope you enjoy part 1 of 'The Exiled One'. As in my previous story, the bulk of the eroticism will be in part 2. <.em>
*
The Narrator
In the park, a song plays from a nearby radio...
'All alone am I..ever since your goodbye..all alone with just the beat of my heart.
'People all around but I don't hear a sound...just the lonely beating of my heart'
Lyrics from the song 'All Alone Am I',
performed by Brenda Lee, 1962, Decca Records
*
Jennifer Sands is visiting the park. The attractive twenty-eight year old comes to the park now and then with the hopes of raising her spirits, but as with most visits recently, it just doesn't seem to be working. Although she is surrounded by throngs of happy people on this beautiful Sunday afternoon, she sits quietly with an emotionless expression. Each day that goes by adds to her despair, because in her mind there is nothing left to live for. For all those that are near and dear to her are either dead, insane, gone or have simply turned their backs on her. Jennifer is beginning to have thoughts of the unthinkable, yes, to take her own life. If there is anyone here on earth in need of help, it's Jennifer Sands.
Jennifer's view
The couple was in the midst of spreading their blanket when I noticed them. At first I thought she was rather fat, but when she removed her jacket it became evident that she was quite pregnant. They sat down next each other, hip to hip, but facing in opposite directions, so that with a slight tilt they could easily be face-to-face. I saw him look at her longingly and when she kissed him I saw the diamond on her left hand. I looked at her with such envy, wondering if she knew just exactly how lucky she is. Happy, married, and expecting a child. She was living what was supposed to be my life, but one mistake, just one incredibly stupid moment of poor judgment, destroyed what should have been a long, happy life into one of absolute misery.
The Narrator
Greg Stillman is a project manager at the XYZ Corporation and this has been one hell of a week for him. The rumor mill had been in full tilt throughout and everyone was anxious to know the outcome of Thursday nights' management meeting. The 'secret' management meeting that everyone knew about would result in the announcements regarding the third and final round of company layoffs. Greg's staff had already been pared down from 18 to 12 and the remaining staff had been working exceedingly hard. Since Greg was financially comfortable, he was not worried about himself, but sick to his stomach with the thought of having to let another person go. Fortunately, much to his relief, his group was spared, and in addition, upper management wanted it clearly communicated to all that this was definitely the final layoff, and with newly signed contracts, the future of the company indeed looked bright.
On Friday morning, Greg held a staff meeting at start-of-day to convey the good news. Nearly everyone was bursting at the seems with jubilation. Everyone except Jennifer, who seemed to take it all in stride. It appeared to him that her smile seemed to be almost superficial or forced. This puzzled Greg and for the rest of the day he kept thinking about it on and off, so much so that it was bound to become a discussion item at tonight's dinner with his girlfriend, Evelyn.
Greg's first wife died of cancer nearly four years ago and Evelyn was his first real relationship since his devastating loss. In addition to being his lover, she was his best friend. It was not unusual for him to discuss work issues with her, as he found her background as a trained psychologist to be most helpful.
Greg's view
I was in the midst of discussing today's events with Evelyn.
"And that's how it went. Jennifer seemed completely unmoved by the news. To her it was just another 'whatever' moment. I don't get it. Something's not right. I think I should do something, but I'm just not sure what."
Evelyn responded, "Out of all your staff members, this Jennifer woman has to be one that you've talked to me about the least."
"Well, this is because I actually talk to her the least. She's capable, independent and requires a minimum of supervision. Comes in early, leaves late. Never misses a deadline. Probably the best tech writer I've ever worked with. She's a model employee actually. However, whenever I try getting her to talk about anything personal, the subject is quickly changed. I'm beginning to wonder if she's either 'on the lam' or in witness protection. I've never meet anyone so guarded. By contrast, take the new temp, Jeff. Even though he's only been around three weeks, I already know where he lives, what kind of car he drives, his wife's name, and the fact that he just got a new dog named Peedee. With Jennifer, I just know her address and phone number. That's it. Period."
"Well, I see what you mean."
"Another thing that I've noticed lately is her physical appearance. I think she lost a fair amount of weight because clothes I've seen her wear before seem to be fitting rather loose now, and she's not wearing her hair as nice, or paying close detail to her makeup."
"Based upon what you've said so far, I think you're right. We've got to find out what's going on. I see a lot of red flags here."
