To Be Alive And Desired

Chapter 8: Happy Again

Elise drives Anna back to work after their lunch break.

Elise: Thank you for listening. I feel so much better sharing this with someone.

Anna sees Elise looks a lot happier than she was a little while ago.

Elise: He's going to come to work today. He said his girlfriend might come with him.

Anna: How do you feel about meeting her?

Elise: Nervous. She's like a model.

Anna: A real one?

Elise: For Instagram and other online stuff.

Anna: That's not a real model.

Elise: He said she makes good money from it.

Anna: Pervs will pay to see almost anyone half-naked. She probably doesn't hold a candle to you, my friend.

Elise smiles.

Elise: Thank you. I'm sure she's gorgeous though.

The ladies get back to work and their coworkers see a different kind of happiness in Elise today. Nothing seems to bring her down. Then she sees her family.

Elise: Hey guys.

Trinity and Minnie: Hey mom.

Nelson: Hey babe. Just getting some stuff for dinner.

Elise remains calm, but wonders if now is the time Holden (and possibly his girlfriend) come into the store to see her.

Nelson: How's work going?

Elise: Great! This is always a nice surprise.

Old Person: Excuse me! I need some help over here!

Elise: Oh, I better go.

Nelson: Ok. Bye.

Trinity and Minnie: Bye mom!

Elise: Bye girls.

She goes to her customer at the self-checkout register.

Elise: Sorry about that.

Old Person: It's ok. Lovely family you have there.

Elise: Thank you.

Nelson watches Elise for a moment, smiles, and then walks away with Minnie and Trinity. Two hours later, Holden arrives. He is not alone. However, the store is busy and as Elise tries to see the woman with Holden, she can't get a good look because she tries not to look for too long and he is in the way. When the self-checkouts are empty, Elise checks her Facebook Messenger and sees Holden said "We split up. When will you be on break?".

Jenna: I'm here to take over.

Elise looks up and has the biggest smile Jenna has ever seen her have.

Elise: Goody.

Jenna (laughing): Remember, I'm only here for fifteen minutes. You look like you're ready to go home.

Elise: I won't be too long. I promise.

Elise gives her walkie to Jenna.

Jenna: I already signed in, so you're good to go.

Elise: Thanks.

The song "Stranded" by Heart plays as Elise walks through the aisles, looking for Holden. She messages asking where he is and he tells her by haircare. Happily, Elise meets Holden right where he said he was.