Live, Learn, Become

Chapter One: The beginning of a new Life

The avenue was buzzing with fashionable people as she walked down Sunset BLVD. Her Jimmy Choo’s clicked with fortitude as she rushed to the coffee shop a block away knowing that she had to face her fear and talk with a guilty expression as she made her excuses. Upon reaching the door she sighed then with a quick jerk she opened the door and walked in. She looked around in a hurry to find no sign of her current nemesis then grinned as she walked to the counter. The girl behind the counter shook her head in good humor.
“You missed him by five minutes.” She spoke laughing as she turned to the muffin rack and carefully handled a bran muffin before stuffing it into a bag and folding over the top.
“That’s a relief.” The woman grinned happily as she dug around in her fake Prada for some change. The young looking girl came back around and placed a coffee beside the muffin bag and smiled.
“Bette you really have to give him a chance, he seems like a really nice guy.” Bette looked up with a raised eyebrow.
“Do you want to know how many times he’s called me in the passed 24 hours?” Enquired the brunette as she placed the exact change on the counter.
“How many times?”
“18 times.” The young girl laughed out loud which disturbed a few customers. She dropped down on her elbows and the counter and cradled her face in her hands.
“Now that is funny.” The brunette shook her head with a smirk.
“You’re just cruel.” The fashionable woman turned to head out the door with her coffee and muffin and gave a little wave to the girl.
“See you Saturday Alice.” The girl gave a wave back.
“ See you Saturday.” The tall brunette walked briskly down the street to her the building that called out to her constantly. Work, Work, Work. Bette thought to herself as she reached the front doors. She walked in confidently and passed the security guard.
“Morning Tim.”
“Morning Miss. Porter.” Greeted the guard with out missing a beat. He smiled as he watched the woman get into the elevator and struggle to push the fifth floor button with full hands. She road up to her floor listening to the sickeningly sweet music. She got off and walked to her office passing her frantic secretary.
“Morning Lynn.” The girl looked up with worried eyes then looked relieved as her gaze rested on Bette.
“Good morning miss. Uhm, here’s your first appointment and here’s your files for today.” Bette took the bundle of loose and faltering paper from the girl.
“Thank you. Have there been any calls?” Bette asked while walking into her office with Lynn right on her heels.
“Several. Seven in total.” Bette turned and looked at Lynn while putting her things on her desk.
“From whom?” Lynn looked sheepish for a minute.
“Martin.” Bette shook her head furiously.
“Christ, can’t that man take a hint. If he calls again tell him that I refuse to converse with him.” Lynn looked at Bette and just laughed.
“Okay boss.” She said before turning to head out the door. Bette massaged her temples and sat down behind her desk. As soon as she sat down there was a knock.
“Come in.” A tall timid man walked through her door and closed it.
“Ah, hello Bert.” She stood up and greeted him with a handshake.
“Hello Miss. Porter. I’m right on time today.” The man walked to the couch and sat down as Bette walked around her desk to a chair with her notebook in hand. She smiled and adjusted herself so she was comfortable.
“So, what seems to be bothering you today Bert?” He shifted on the sofa and concentrated on finding the right words.
“Well earlier this week I got a call from my mother. She seemed irritated with me for something and I don’t know why. She always is this way with me. Never with my other siblings. I wish I knew why she always is mean towards me.” Bette began to write in her notebook.
“Have you ever tried asking your mother why she is mean towards you Bert?” She asked as she looked up from the paper. He shook his head sadly.
“No, I’m afraid she’ll get upset with me and she won’t want to speak with me anymore.” Bette nodded in contemplation.
“You know Bert, you’ll never have a healthy relationship with your mother if you don’t ask her questions and talk to her.”