When Sarah drove to work on Monday morning, nothing could possibly upset her. A smile would not leave her lips throughout the entire weekend, and today she was still just as exhilarated from spending Saturday evening in Sam's arms. Absolutely nothing could affect her, not even John's stupid comments. She could still recall how softly Sam kissed her in the cabin of his sailboat; a kiss he renewed when dropping her off at her apartment after midnight. They had exchanged their mobile numbers before he left, and they had already communicated a couple of times since then. Well, communicate is probably a bit too strong a word... They sent each other happy smileys from time to time. Sarah was over the moon and avidly anticipated their next encounter.
Until then, she was determined to help her new friend. That morning, she walked over to Rebecca's desk. All other employees were already waiting in the meeting room – it was nearly ten o'clock. Rebecca could speak freely about her matter without any colleagues eavesdropping.
"How did it go?" Sarah asked her, delicately.
"Not too well..." Rebecca replied, chagrined.
"Did John break up with you?"
"No."
"Well, that doesn't sound too bad."
"He– He doesn't want– want..." she stuttered.
"Want what?" urged Sarah.
"The– the baby..." Rebecca struggled to say.
"Oh... Oh... gosh," Sarah stammered too, taken aback.
"Now– Now I have to choose between him or the baby!" she cried out, ashamed of her situation.
"Gosh..." Sarah repeated. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Rebecca. It must be heartbr–"
Sarah's comment wasn't helping her colleague feel better, and she was aware of it. Rebecca looked poorly already. She hadn't put any make-up on – Sarah had never seen her without any eyeliner over her eyelids – and she was pale. She hadn't touched her breakfast biscuits nor her orange juice lying on her desk. And most surprising of all, Rebecca hadn't turned on her computer to catch the latest news on Facebook.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Sarah decided to ask.
"Should I have an abortion, continue life as it is and pretend it never happened? Or should I have this little boy or girl, who will never see his or her father?" Rebecca speculated, tearful.
Sarah put her hand on her shoulder. Then, the chime of the office clock striking ten pressed them to head to the meeting room.
"At lunchtime I will take you out again," proposed Sarah. "That way, we can talk this through. You'll feel better with something in your tummy..."
Something in your tummy may not have been the best expression to use for a pregnant woman. Sarah hoped Rebecca would forgive her clumsiness.
Just before stepping into the meeting room, Sarah felt her mobile vibrate in her trouser pocket. She took a quick look; it was a message from Sam. She smiled and immediately opened it.
10:01
To Sarah:
Help. Sailboat.
Sarah's smile soon faded into worry. She felt a knot in her throat and her hands began to shake.
"We are waiting for you, Miss Danton!" the boss shouted, sitting comfortably in his conference chair.
Sarah turned into the meeting room, very slowly. She was meant to present three different bars and clubs to everyone today... But after receiving such an alarming message, how could she ever ignore it? Mission impossible. She needed to get to Sam.
YOU ARE READING
A SMILE IN A WHISTLE
RomanceSarah was seven years old when she met Sam. He was twenty. He taught her how to grass whistle. They found friendship where they least expected it. Now she is twenty-five. He is thirty-eight. They meet again. Their long-lost friendship turns into lov...
