Annie spent the next few days
going through her mother's things.Her mother wore only business
suits,so
all of those were packed in boxes.She had not come across any items
that
held good memories,so everything else would be sold,the money donated
to
charities.
The one item she kept was a diamond ring
she had seen her mother wear,many times,when going out for business
dinners.She would always hold her mother's hand when she had it on,then
move it around to watch it sparkle,Her mother would smile down at
her,it
was the closest she came to showing Annie any affection.
A week after the funeral,the lawyer
read her mother's will.As expected everything went to Annie.Except for
running the business,which would be handled by the present employees
and
the lawyer.Financially Annie was set for the rest of her life.And for
that,she was grateful to her mother.As she expected,Mrs.Johnson wasn't
mentioned,Annie would make sure she was taken care of,An anonymous
deposit would be made in her account,every month.
He
had been in this business for nine year,but it felt like much
longer.His
body was giving out,more and more he was plagued by minor injuries,from
the abuse he inflicted on it night after night.More often he would
think
of retiring.Not wanting to hang on and become a joke like others had.
The divorce was hard on him.not only that
she had found some one else,but he missed his sons.Also the security of
having a home to go to,when he had time off.In reality,now he was just
staying in hotels,till it was time for the next show.
Women were no problem,he could pretty much pick
who he wanted when the need arose.Most of them would do anything
because
of who he was.The others,in the same business were to wrapped up in
their careers to work at a permanent relationship.While he was around
beautiful women all the time,none had captured his heart.He was
lonely,but didn't want to go through the pain of a divorce again.He had
just about decided to spend the rest of his life alone. But how he did
miss having some one of his own,a best friend,to share his life with.
Returning
home after hearing the will read,Annie started thinking about what she
would do.With her mother gone,she knew she had to venture out into the
real world.It would be difficult,her mother never prepared her for this
day,and her shyness would be a hinderance.She thought if she had a
job,even though she didn't need too,maybe she could make some
friends,and learn how to socialize.Maybe finding some lasting friends
that her mother couldn't drive away.A boyfriend? Who would want her.
But what could she do,her skills
were limited,her mother had not allowing her to go to college.Instead
keeping her home to cook and clean,not wanting to spend money on
servants. Annie was always grateful the house wasn't any bigger."That
was it",Annie thought,"I'll check at the local hotel",if nothing
else,she could clean. Yes,she thought she would go tomorrow and find
out.
As she readied herself for bed,se she was both excited and scared at
the
thought of starting a new life.