IMAGINATION!  IMAGINATION MAKES THE HEART GROW STRONGER!

Imagine that you are a woman.  A good and decent woman.  Maybe not the best woman, who is error free, but a good woman none the less.  You have or at least have had beautiful hopes and dreams for yourself.  You were going to make a difference in this world.  You were going to do something so great that you would be praised and remembered for it.  And maybe, just maybe even paid highly for it.  You were going to make a difference in others lives, including your family, friends and children.  Your dreams were high since you would be different.  Yeah, somehow you would be different.  Well at least that is what you thought and just believed.  But life, yes life, has other plans. 

Life!  The distant cousin of the devil, has been out to destroy you and your thoughts of being better and different.  It starts even before you are born, as your mother decides if your life is worth it or not.  If you do succeed in being here, then your future is already decided.  Even before you can walk and talk, society predetermines your life.  Choosing your favorite color—Pink.  What outfit you must wear—dresses!   Countless choices are chosen for you, as you are separated from the boys with endless boundaries. 

These boundaries start early and never stop!  It begins by establishing rules that you will try to follow, but of course instead of following you just end up fighting over--fighting over things like weight, children, housekeeping and cooking.  Like the fact that you are suppose to be petite or at least smaller than all of the boys, but as most girls mature and go into puberty our bodies are usually lovers or should I say hoarders of fat.  While the boys on the other hand, are usually skinnier and leaner. 

While you are still young, you learn that you are just as strong if not stronger than your male counterparts.  This great power is short lived as one day you then find out that you are now weaker than you think.  The gaining and losing of power can be a hard blow.  For the rest of our lives we have to deal with this subconscious or in some cases conscience power struggle.  You have to be strong but not too strong, you have to be weak but not too weak.  You make excuses and assert yourself his equal in your mind but your body language expresses it differently as you try to attract the opposite sex. 

Then you get older and naturally you crave the serenity and joys of security and love.  Well at least the picture of love that you have in your mind.  Of course your male counterparts are being driven by other life forces.  Thriving to fulfill their own lusts--did I say lust?  I meant to say ‘love’--their own special kind of love.  When they say love, they are not defining it the same way you do.  Their love usually has sex attached to it while yours usually has more hugs, snuggles and a big dose of romance. 

Life has made sure that both ours and their understanding and belief systems regarding this four letter word is destructively different.  Making another very interesting and constant battle of the sexes—Did I say sex?  Well maybe I should say battle of the definition and actions of love. 

           Nonetheless, you try to mend your definitions and make it work anyway.  If you hook up with them too early and heaven forbid that you become pregnant, or like to many of them you are then negatively labeled.  However, if you try not to compromise and wait--maybe go to school or concentrate on your career or job, then one day you will be questioned if you even like men.  While others, like your parents or their friends, will wonder if you’ll ever find a man.  Especially if you are too successful or concentrating too hard on other things.  The stigmatisms of relationships tend to follow you no matter what path you are on.  Either way, life has a way of making sure society is always at odds with you, and who can really fight against that. 

Well I did (As I’m sure many of you have as well).  I did try to fight life, and it ended my first marriage.  I was humbled under the wrath of life.  But it does not matter if you try to fight it or go along with it, you will still be judged and inevitably you will lose!  I know that this may sound bitter, but as a wise person use to say "Life is tough!  There are a few sparks of happiness along the way, then you die!"  That wise person was me….

Chapter 1

Teri can hear the baby starting to get up as he begins tossing and turning fighting to sleep and wake up at the same time.  Teri didn't move trying to cherish every moment of sleep that she has left.  Instead of falling back to sleep, she lays there thinking about her upcoming day.  She let out a long silent sigh, recognizing the gap between her life and how different it is from what she expected it would be.  All of her failures are beginning to overwhelm her when she notices the lack of sound coming from the baby.  Turning her head around to face the baby, she locks eyes with her bright eyed and bushy tailed alarm clock. 

There he is her pride and joy, the one who ultimately ended her marriage with his father.  His big eyes filled her up.  She could see her reflection in his eyes.   Excited to see her, he reaches out for her.  Treasuring the moment, she responds with a sleepy smile.  Instead of receiving that expected hug, he hits her on her face twice. 

Startled, she closes her eyes and slightly scoots away from him.  "Well that is one way of getting the sleep out of me," Teri replies as she turns back around to see the time.  The alarm that is now used more for time than the alarm reads 6:05.  "I guess I should be happy that I got an extra hour out of you."  She retorts as little Christopher climbs over her face in pursuit of the lit up alarm. 

Teri groans from the weight of the heavy 10 month old baby, that is obviously not taking her face into consideration in his determined hunt of the alarm.  Teri tries to protect herself by helping him over, conscience of the beds edge.  Shaking her head in disbelief of the abuse that she has just undergone and the apparent love that she has for the one who has given it, all she can do is watch him and judgmentally shake her head. While he is busy with the lighted numbers, Teri looks up on the wall and reads out loud her morning prayer. 

With everything she is going through, last week Teri decided that she needed divine help.  Therefore, she found this rendition of the ‘Lords Prayer.’  She tore the page out of one of the most religious books she could find.  Teri has forgotten to say it almost everyday, so two days ago she put the sheet up next to her bed so that before she even steps out of the bed, she is able to quote it.  Glad that she remembered, Teri says the prayer enthusiastically.

"Good morning, my holy and sanctified heavenly father.  I am so excited to be your inheritor.  Your name alone is worthy of reverence and praise.  Therefore, I declare halleluiah and glory to my lord Jesus.  I thank you for your valuable kingdom.  I confess that your vital kingdom is so important.  I am proud to be an active ambassador of your kingdom.  I will work diligently for everyone to experience your awesome reign, will and your magnificent kingdom here on earth.  Be with me this day providing all of my needs." 

Smiling she added to the prayer, "And all of my wants!”  Pausing as she thinks about it she also includes, “According to your will of course.”  Still smiling she continues reading.  “I forgive all things and people that I should, also please forgive me.  I will resist and not allow myself to be around tempting things, people and evil spirits.  I submit myself to you.  Deliver me always and please keep tempting things out of my path.  This earth needs to represent your kingdom and I graciously and humbly accept your power as a delegate of your kingdom.  Amen"

           Not fully understanding everything she has just quoted, Teri grabs Christopher before he is able to examine the protected socket to change his diaper.  Mindful of her mobile and very curious companion, she heads to the bathroom; quickly brushing her teeth and washing her face while simultaneously changing his diaper and trying to wipe little Christopher off and lotion him down.  He on the other hand is doing his normal routine of getting into everything including playing with the bathroom sink.  Picking up little Christopher, Teri walks downstairs to the kitchen.  Starting breakfast and beginning the intricate balance of her day; food, feed, eat, clean, dress, prepare lunches, snacks, diaper bag, daycare, work, all the while trying to keep her little determined partner from damaging the balance from working.  Glancing at the time Teri quickly scoops up Christopher and dashes out to the car. 

           On the drive to the daycare, Teri's mind begins to wander on all of her previous hopes and dreams regarding her life.  Trying not to let her thoughts meditate on the obvious big picture of her becoming a divorced single mom, Teri has to let out a desperate groan.  "Things aren't suppose to be this way," she automatically says.  Immediately the feelings from the impending divorce consume her. 

She and her husband have known each other for years.  They were both married before to other people and helped each other get through those divorces.  So, when he asked her to marry him, Teri knew that she could trust him and that the pain she experienced before will now be permanently in the past.  Making the unexpected pain she feels from his abusive nature, jealousy and consistent flirting a very sensitive wound.  Obviously, they got married too soon after their divorces. 

He still wants to be a single man, with the comforts of a wife.  This realization frustrates Teri.  How can he, a so-called man of God, be worse than the man she was married to before, who did not even believe in God?  Everything within Teri begins to ache, when she hears the whimpering of little Christopher, pulling her out of her thoughts.  He has dropped his toy and is straining to reach it.  After dropping him off and kissing Christopher goodbye, Teri is finally on her way to work. 

Teri has worked her way up to lead supervisor.  She loves her job, but since she was forced back to work after maternity leave, her appreciation and admiration for her job has diminished.  As a regular call center representative or even in her new coordinator role, Teri does not just do her job.  As an overachiever, she always goes above and beyond, making her two year role as a lead supervisor effortless since she was always doing more.  Helping people is a knack that Teri possesses.  It is easy for Teri to keep the balance between happy customers and the bottom line well adjusted.  Now on the rare occasions when she does speak to disgruntle customers it is because a representative has sent the irate customer over for a discount. 

           Mentally examining her day's tasks, Teri can feel how tired she is; until she remembers the managers meeting, she has been invited to last week.  Immediately her pulse races as she tires to analyze how she can make a difference or at least provide valuable input.  Pulling into the parking lot, her adrenaline begins to flow as she can see the day's occurrences.  By the time, she opens the entrance door she is on full speed ahead, which is a good thing because a new representative met her at the door with tears complaining about a rude customer she has received. 

           Like the last few weeks, this morning is the same; long meetings, short meetings, meetings to discuss prior meetings, secret agendas, politicking, watching your back, and trying to keep your job while rumors of layoffs are in the air.  Teri use to enjoy coming in to work, but now it seems a whirlwind of deceit, lies, and the mentality of doing whatever it takes to keep your job, which means that you can enjoy coffee with someone after one meeting and then fighting against them to keep your idea, department or position safe by the next meeting. 

           By the time lunch times rolls around, Teri still has not had the opportunity to check her phone messages.  She sits down at her computer and reads the note that is posted on her screen.  ‘Please Come Quick I Need Your Help – Teri’ At first glace it appears this is her own handwriting, which redirects Teri's mind off of the twenty other tasks that are still roaming around in her head.   With a confused look on her face, she takes the note off of her monitor and reads it with a more focused examination. 

"Oh this is from Tina in section B!"  She says aloud in relief as she murmured, "God, I thought I was going crazy!"   Teri takes a deep breath, as the feeling subsides into her gut making her feel anxious and pronounce her hunger pains even further.  Not wanting to be there anymore, she grabs her packed lunch, purse and heads for the door, when another supervisor who is calling and chasing after her stops her.

"Teri, can you believe that the monthly manager meeting is being moved to the main board room?"  Cathy says out of breath.  "I heard that the president is actually going to attend, and all of the layoff rumors are going to be discussed."  Cathy has been at the company prior to when the original owners attempted to sell off the company the first time.  She has held several positions and has had offers to move up within the company, but she enjoyed the comfort and extreme knowledge of her position. She is able to provide consulting advice and direction in all-important meetings without the accountability. 

Since the company was sold a month ago, everyone including Cathy is intent on keeping their positions.  However, Cathy feels for the first time like a fish out of water, since her prior knowledge is no longer reverenced as the best way of doing business.  The more her expertise is questioned by new management, the harder she tries to prove historical facts and the once laid-back executive has become more aggressive and argumentative.

"Why does it matter if the meeting room is changed" Teri asks not really caring to know the answer, she begins walking toward her car.  Cathy grabs Teri's shoulder turning her around and yelped, "Didn't you hear me?  I said the president is coming!"  Cathy shakes her head as she continues.  "Not our President, but the President of the entire company.  He is bringing the Chief Financial Officer with him."  Stuttering because she is talking so fast she keeps her hand on Teri.  "Don't you get what this means?  If the C.F.O. is coming that means the rumors are true.  He is going to see where they can reorganize and cut back to make sure we hit their bottom line."  Cathy's voice is near hysterics. 

Teri looks around to make sure that no one else is witnessing this normally calm and reserve demeanor woman's melt down.  Trying to help her gain her composure Teri says, "Why don't you come with me to lunch, I'm buying?"  Cathy takes her hand off of Teri's shoulder with disbelief in her eyes.   "Why doesn't anyone understand me anymore?"  Cathy puts her head down.  "This is the beginning of the end."  As she turns around to walk away, she states.  "You shouldn't be going to lunch.  You need to be working overtime.  You should be saving your money not offering to buy anyone anything!"

           Watching in amazement as Cathy reenters the building; Teri looks back around the parking lot.  Everything is changing and not necessarily for the better.  Teri looks at the company’s front door as it closes behind Cathy.  Looking at her car keys she is holding, Teri debates within herself.  Normally Teri would have run back in following Cathy’s lead, but this is all getting to be too much.  Unsure of what her next move should be, Teri reaches into her purse for her cell phone.  "Who can I call?" she says aloud to herself.   Normally she would have called her husband, Jason. 

Teri wanted to speak to someone who was going to be supportive.  Quickly scrolling through the various names that are saved in her phone, everyone seemed a blur.  No one stood out as a possibility.  Teri became very reclusive over the last couple of months.  Not wanting or willing to talk or tell anyone anything.  Dreading the "Why did this happen" question, especially since Teri is still so unsure herself. Teri did not want to answer any questions regarding her relationship, failures, lost hopes and dreams.  All she wanted is someone to lean on and help build her back up again.

           When she comes to the end of the names she can possibly call, she pauses, as she continued to look at the electronic device, she is still holding in her hand.  She was suppose to her find a compassionate ear to lean on.  After a long pause, she looks back up at the company door entrance still deciding, whether she should follow Cathy’s advice.  Still deciding she stands there still watching the entrance when two representatives whose shifts has just ended, coming out of the main entrance laughing and apparently joking around.  They hop in a small car and begin to leave.  They wave good-bye to Teri as they drive past her looking happy to be gone. 

           Shell-shocked Teri closes her eyes and squeeze her keys as she turns back to face her car.  Taking in a deep breath, Teri slowly gets in and drives off.  Not taking into account where she is going, she just begins to drive.  Not until she is staring at the steeple of her church does she realize that she has just taken the familiar path that she took yesterday for Sunday service.  "I guess this is a good enough place considering.”  Teri thinks with a weak smile as she gets out automatically and reaches for her lunch.  It seemed weird to be bringing lunch to church instead of a bible.

           Teri heads for the fellowship hall, hoping for some peace and quiet.  She sits down thinking she can get her thoughts, which are so scattered, together.  Looking at the lunch she has made, Teri already knows that this is not going to be enough food.  She is starving!  Now she wished she had ended her drive at an all you can eat restaurant.  Remorseful she begins eating, when Sister Kelly walks by in her normal cheerful, but busy, busy, busy manner.  Chirping a happy ‘Hello’ she smiles and continues on her way.

           Teri sighs in relief.  Unlike some church members that could bring her down even further, Sister Kelly is not like that.  She is like no other church member, Teri has ever known.  There is a sincere quality about this charming woman that always seems welcoming and warm like a dedicated and really loving mother.  

Trying to think things through, tears begin to swell up as negative thoughts start to take her sanity hostage.  Suddenly Teri remembers that she still has not checked her phone messages.  Thinking about it, Teri decides that if she checks her messages while on her lunch break then technically she is still working and she can take Cathy’s advice and get away at the same time.  Feeling anxious and nervous, Teri suddenly feels this is a very good plan and it takes priority over her other thoughts of going back to work hungry and working through lunch, facing possible layoffs, money troubles, and bills. 

Troubled Teri is beginning to think that she should have just taken Cathy's advice and went back in to work.  Teri grabs her sandwich and goes to the hallway phone to quickly check her work voicemail messages.  Although there are 10 messages after the seventh, Teri decides to just leave so that she can stop by somewhere to get more food.  She will be able to get back early, finish checking the rest, and do more work.

           When Teri enters into the fellowship hall there is Sister Kelly pouring her a big bowl of beef stew.  "Someone brought this in today for this morning’s funeral and when I saw your little lunch, I decided to heat you up some--I hope that is okay?"  Starved, Teri can smell the warm delicious aroma feeding her hunger pains already.  A well-deserved look of happiness sweeps over her face as she smiles out a huge thank you. 

           "Oh Sister Kelly, you are the best!"  Without shame, she sits down and begins spooning down the hearty meal.  "This is so good, thank you," Teri says between bites. Sister Kelly fills back up Teri’s already half empty bowl, before returning the pot back into the kitchen and bringing out three pieces of warm wheat bread.  With a warmhearted smile, Sister Kelly kindly places the bread down in a saucer and asks if she needs anymore to drink.

           "I still have some diet coke left, but thank you" Teri responds as she takes a couple gulps and return back to the soup and heated bread. "I really needed this; I am having a really rough day at work."  Sister Kelly sits down next to her and begins listening to her tales of woe.  "And to top it all off, I am in the middle of a divorce," Teri concluded as she cleaned her bowl with her last piece of bread.  "I am really going out of my mind at this point.  I don't know what to do about any of this?"  Teri can see the sincere concern on Sister Kelly's face.

           "Do you love him?" Sister Kelly asks.  Surprised, Teri did not know how to respond to this.  Of course, she loved him, but how can she love a man who obviously did not respect her and leave her in such a predicament.  Examining the memories of her marriage, she looks away.  When her focus becomes fixed on the wall clock.  She has been there already half an hour.  The managers meeting will be starting in less than fifteen minutes.

           "Oh no!"  She exclaims as she stands up, "I'm sorry I have to go."  She can see the startled expression on Sister Kelly's face.  "It's not that I don't want to answer your question," she continued as she is gathering her things.  "Even though I really don't want to answer it," she murmured as she picks up her purse and trash.  "It’s just that I have an extremely important meeting that I will be late for if I don't leave right now."  With that, Teri thanked Sister Kelly again and left.  "I really appreciate the food and letting me vent a little, you're the best!"

           Teri sped the whole way back to work, praying not to get caught.  "Knowing my luck at this moment, a ticket is almost inevitable," she thinks to herself as she stops at a red light.  Trying to gather her thoughts about the meeting, Teri can feel her adrenaline rushing back through her.  This nervous feeling made her notice that while she was eating and venting to Sister Kelly she had indeed found a little peace.  Then she thought ‘I guess it doesn’t matter now.’  As every pressing and negative thought comes back as she loses that comfort feeling she has just received.  Pulling into the first available parking space and making a dash for the company entrance door Teri rushes to her desk. 

           "Shoot, I'm ten minutes late," she notes as she drops off her purse and grabs a notepad.  "I hope no one really notices."  Everything within her is tense as she tries to quickly get to the downstairs meeting room without actually running.  It is bad enough that she is coming in late to her first managers meeting; she did not have to look the part as well. 

           As she opens the meeting room door, Teri can feel the intense stares that comes her way.  Even the speaker takes note as he briefly stops.  Feeling red all over, as quickly as she can, Teri sits down at the first available seat.  Flushed she can feel her heart beating in her chest as she opens her notebook and begins copying the PowerPoint notes from off of the big screen.  Teri does not get halfway through when he changes the screen.  ‘How can I make up for being late?’  She thinks to herself, as she starts copying the numbers from the next PowerPoint screen. 

           "This is why we will have to restructure the company."  The man states from the little podium.  "As you can see these numbers are really good, which will help make the redesign a smooth transition, unlike other companies where we have to implement major changes, including immediate layoffs just to fix the bottom line."  He turns to point out some of the departments whose numbers are so high they are able to carry other departments.  Overall, the company is up 5% from the target forecast.

Smiling to hear the good news, Teri relooks at the numbers hoping to see an inquisitive question that will show her knowledge and hopefully impress the top executives.  Throughout the next five minutes of the meeting, she keeps trying to find something, but the information is so limited.  Right then the man stops and asks if there are any questions.  ‘Are you serious?  That's all there is to this big meeting?’ Teri thinks disappointed.  Looking around, everyone is looking forward intensely, but not one is asking any questions. 

The man looks friendly when he asks again, as he put an emphasis on the fact that this is everyone's chance to be heard.  This is it, Teri thinks to herself.  Looking down at her notes, especially the numbers one more time, she raises her hand.  Smiling the man calls on her.  Teri's head is still down when she feels the nudge from the person next to her.  Looking up Teri quickly stands up, still unsure of what she is suppose to say. 

"First I'd like to thank you all for taking the time to come out and speak with us about our future.  And of course I'm really glad our numbers are looking good."  The man at the podium smiles, making Teri feel more at ease.  "However, as I am looking at the numbers, I am unsure of how we can help minimize costs in order to help further increase the bottom line since the numbers don't have many details.  Are we going to be able to get more detailed information?"  Happy with what she says, Teri sits down. 

The man at the podium nods his head as if agreement, understanding her questions and smiles.  "What is your name?"  Teri quickly stands back up and says, "Oh I'm sorry, my name is Teri and I work in the call center department."  Just in case he has more questions, Teri keeps standing as he responds, "I understand your question, but the numbers that we are providing are highly confidential so we try not to provide much detail."  Instantly Teri's heart sinks, as she tries to think about how she can recover.

Finally, she states, "I understand that the numbers are confidential, but I like many of my colleagues are committed to continually improving our bottom line without hurting our quality.  I just want to make sure that I have the opportunity to provide good quality solutions to any trouble areas and with the numbers that I am seeing I am not sure where to start."  Flushed Teri quickly sits down. 

           The man steps down from the podium, covers the microphone and speaks with a couple of the executives sitting in the first row.  Teri can feel her blood flowing through her veins as she imagines the conversation.  After what seems an eternity.  The man goes back to the podium and abruptly states, I'll have to look into that Teri. Well I am glad that I had the chance to meet with the leadership of this company.  Thank you."  Then he steps off of the podium and begins to leave as the other executives scurry off following his lead. 

"Oh my God, what have I done," Teri says aloud.  Her eyes are wide with fear.  Unable to move, Teri just sits there as everyone hurries out of the room as fast as they can.  Not until the whisper of Cathy calling her name, for the fourth time, does Teri finally respond, although, she does not turn around to face her.  Cathy’s voice brought Teri’s attention back to the room and off of the unemployment line that she has so often seen on television.

"Why did you say that?" Cathy whispers in astonishment.  "I really can not believe that you asked him anything!"  Teri finally turns to face Cathy who states,  "I told you that they are bringing the president, well they aren’t the only ones that came.  The man you were just arguing with is the owner!"  Everything within Teri feels weak, "Trying to make a good impression…." Teri softly whispers back with unfocused eyes.  Disbelief in the situation consume her.  How can she have been so arrogant?  ‘And to make matters worse he knows my name and department.  Why did I have to be so smug?’ These are just the beginning of the questions starting to run through her mind.

"Well, you were definitely noticed.  You came in an hour late, and then challenge the owner."  Cathy shakes her head with the same expression of disbelief on her face that she had earlier.  "Before you got here, he told us that there will probably be slight layoffs, so all of the rumors that have been going around are true, just like I kept telling everyone.  They are going to restructure and that will mean that they will be able to get rid of anybody."  Cathy stands up and heads for the door as she repeats, "Anybody."

Everyone has already left the room, but Teri just can not find the ability to position her body to stand.  Disbelief is consuming her.  This is the first time that Teri can understand the reason why a person will want the earth to open and swallow them up.  ‘Now I'm gonna be a homeless single mom with no references,’ she thinks to herself.  Teri’s entire body, from her hair to her toenail, is filled with dread and regret.

The rest of the day is a blur.  As she drives into her driveway, she looks in the back seat and sees Christopher.  Even picking him up from daycare did not register.  Turning off the engine Teri just sits there consumed with her present situation and unbecoming future.  Various future scenarios play out in her head, all of which turn out bad!  Not until she shivers from the cold that she mentally comes back to the car, they have both been in for some time.  Quickly she gets out and takes out a sleeping little Christopher.  She lays him down in his own room, and in his own bed for the first time since Jason, her ex-husband has left.  Exhausted, she takes off her work clothes and slowly gets into her bed, pulling the covers over her head and falling asleep. 

Awoken by the cries of Christopher, Teri turns over to see the time—3AM.  Sleepily she picks him up, makes him a bottle, and bring him back into the bed with her.  Passing back out, she is startled by the alarm—7AM.  "Oh my God!  I'm late!"  Quickly jumping up she runs to the closet grabs the first thing she sees.  Dressing while she runs to the kitchen.  Making three bottles, she throws those and a few snacks in the diaper bag and goes back upstairs.

Using a washcloth Teri quickly wipes her smeared make-up off and reapplies the bear essentials.  She looks like a train wreck.  Grimacing she throws her hands in the air in disgust.  "Why does it matter anyway?"  She states as she picks up the baby who is still asleep.  Grabbing a few change of clothes and extra diapers, she quickly goes to the car. 

Even though she caught fewer lights than usual, Teri is still running around thirty minutes late.  During the drive she keeps thinking ‘Why didn't I just call in sick!’ but that thought is always overpowered with ‘If I'm gonna be fired I need every penny I can get!’  By the time she reaches the company entrance, Teri is feeling surprisingly serene.  The fear of the day, has haunted her throughout the night, leaving her with a numbing calmness, preparing her for the worst.  As she sits down at her computer, she remembers the note.  "God please help me," she whispers as she begins to check yesterdays voice messages.  After hearing the first message, which tells Teri about yesterday’s new meeting time and room change, she starts to get into the groove of things. 

The rest of the day goes by pretty normal.  Teri can feel the various stares and whispers, but her daily tasks keep her so busy that she is able to keep her mind off of the obvious.  It is not until lunchtime, that she is actually approached by a few coworkers.  They caught up with her in the women’s bathroom.  They were already finished, when she comes in, but they stay and wait until she goes to the sink to begin their inquisition.

"I can not believe you came in so late.  I mean did something happen?"  Sara quickly asks as she pretends to check her make-up.  Jenna and Josie are huddled in the corner wiping their hands off after their five minute wash.  Teri does not answer, pretending not to notice that the question is directed to her. 

Annoyed Sara turns to face Teri.  "Why did you come to the meeting so late?"  Sara turns her gaze to the mirror to watch Teri's expression.  "I mean I was horrified for you.  Personally, I would have just missed the entire meeting than come in 10 minutes before it is over.  I was just telling Jenna how sorry I felt for you.  Even the owner, Mr. Stevens, is more surprised than angry." 

Enthralled in the conversation Jenna quickly steps aside and chimes in as Teri reaches for a paper towel to dry her hands.  "Yeah, of course I wasn't there but everyone has been talking about it."  All of them continue to stand there trying to read Teri's expression as she dries her hands.  Nonchalantly, Teri throws the paper towels away and heads for the door. 

As she props the door open she turns around to face her critics and false supporters and replies, "There was a funeral and I had to go to church."  She is already outside the door and does not get to relish in their surprised stares.  Heading back to her desk, she has to smile at her witty come back.  Normally Teri is not the type of person to have a quick response.  She is usually honest to a fault, which made her comment even more perfect in her own eyes.

Soon her smile turns into a frown when she thinks about the lie she has just told.  ‘Technically there was a funeral and I did go to the church, so it isn't really a lie.’  Even though she tries to comfort herself with this thought, Teri still is not feeling any better about it.  When she reaches her desk, she slowly put her purse away, contemplating whether she should restate her claim.  Knowing that lies usually come back to haunt you, Teri is not able to concentrate on her current task.  Giving up, she grabs her purse and gets ready to leave  

As she leaves for lunch, she passes the gossiping crew she had left in the bathroom.  They are now huddled in another corner with more recruits.  ‘This would happen,’ Teri thinks to herself as she rolls her eyes seeing the peoples expression change into shock.  The frown is still on her face as she drives away from the building.  "I gotta get some info on that funeral, before I am prosecuted as a liar."  Teri says to herself as she turns the corner. 

Teri knows that the same people that heard about her arguing with the owner or are talking about her being late to the managers meeting, will also hear about the twisted truth she told, implying that she knew the person who had passed away.  Things could get ugly for her really quickly if she was not careful.  Knowing how words and rumors are spreading these days, half the company will find out right now during the lunch hour.

As she gets out of her car in the churches parking lot, Teri notices that not only does she not have her bible, but this time she also does not have any food.  Grimacing, she quickly enters into the churches food bank hoping to see Sister Kelly.  Unlike yesterday there are several church members buzzing around.  Right away, Teri wants to leave.  Being around certain Christians on Sunday is all that she can handle right now.  As that thought sweeps over her, Teri feels a little ashamed, of her judgmental tone. 
      "I just can't do this right now," she says slightly aloud, when she feels a hand on her back.  Turning around she sees Sister Kelly.  A smile of relief sweeps over her, as she leans in for a warm hug.  Not wanting her to leave, Teri holds her hand asking about yesterday’s funeral.  Smiling, Sister Kelly leads her to one of the unoccupied rooms, briefing her on the deceased proceedings.  Once in the room she hands her a program with a picture of the late 89-year-old gentlewoman.   

"So do you love him," Sister Kelly asks as soon as she finishes telling her about the memorial service.  Thrown back by the question, Teri suddenly feels hungry as she takes a seat.  With everything that is going on love just seems like a foreign concept.  Teri puts her hands in her lap, quietly contemplating an answer.  Sister Kelly sits down next to her and put her hands on top of Teri’s.  Turn The Page (go to next pages)