In Our Wildest Dreams

Better Better Days

Martin was a foodie.
It had taken three hours at work to discover.

He would mumble how he could use a bagel, a baguette, or even a bread roll to hold his stomach.
Then, he would ring up Freya to send someone to give him what he was hungry for.

Three times, an apprentice chef was sent to deliver the food to him.

He was insatiable.

"Care to join me, Ruby?" he asked.

"No thanks," I declined. "I'm trying to avoid bread or any flour processed food."

"So, you don't eat bread?"

"If I have to then it has got to be whole wheat," I said.

"Wheat is for old people,"

"Sugar is not good for adults," I countered. "You can try to eat more real food you know. That way you wouldn't get hungry easily."

Martin shrugged and continued to chow the food.

It became annoying because I wasn't used to working while being with someone who was eating.

However, I maintained focus and continued to set up my work area.

The day went by fast.
Soon, I was clearing the area. I liked my new workspace. It was spacey and had a new feel.
A new-looking tabletop, a new desktop, wider drawers, and a sizzling atmosphere smell.

I picked up my duffel bag and turned to leave then noticed Martin's corner was extremely messy.
"Martin?"

"Yes,"

I wanted to ask him about the state of his workspace and tell him about the importance of cleanliness and godliness.

But, I said:
"See you tomorrow,"

"Oh, okay. You too," he replied.

I walked to the reception hall and met Nina clearing her desk.

"Good evening Miss Ruby,"

"Good evening Nina,"

"Congratulations on your promotion!" she exclaimed with her hands clasped onto her dark slim-fit knee-length skirt.

"Thank you so much,"

"You're welcome," she said.

I exited the building and stopped at the threshold to wait for a cab.

It was late in the evening and a promising gale whooshed past, sending goosebumps washing all over me.

I pressed my eyes shut and basked in the sensation of the moment.

A couple of passers-by walked past me. I was still relishing the happy vibes I had when a stranger snagged my duffel bag.

"Hey!", I yelled.

The bag had been firm on my shoulder and any slight chance missed would mean losing it to the hobo who was dragging it with me.

My work notes, schedules, work diary, planner, phone—every god damn thing that was precious to me was in it.

I couldn't contemplate losing so I snapped back and kicked my left leg in his groin area.

The idiot managed to run while limping with his palm covering his groin.

"Whew!" I exclaimed. " I didn't realize I was this powerful,"

I scampered from that area to the corner and got a cab effortlessly.
I didn't need anyone to attack me again.

When I got home, the lights on the porch were already bright. The queen of the night flowers planted in our front yard had slept off.

The creatures of the night had begun their melodic symphony.

The sky was tucking its grey blanket and the good flowing wind was circulating the area.

On days like these, I wanted to sleep outside but mosquitoes would kill the plan.

I opened the door and met Aunt Marigold and Aunt Vivica arguing.

"Why wouldn't you at least put some sugar in the pie? Even just a little?"

Aunt Marigold put her hands on her waist.
"I did put a little!"

"You didn't put a little. You put a pinch!" Aunt Vivica yelled.

I shook my head.
These two were always talking about something.

Aunt Marigold was Aunt Vivica's younger sister.
She lived in the suburbs but frequently came to visit.

The both of them loved each other so dearly, that they constantly did everything together—including arguing.

"Hi, Aunt Vivica. Hi, Aunt Marigold." I greeted.

"You had better sprinkle some sugar on the top." Aunt Vivica urged.

"What does it matter? The pie is tasty with or without the sugar!" said Aunt Marigold.

"Let it be that the pie was WITH the sugar then."

I dropped my bag on the dining table and sank into a chair.

"I got promoted," I said chuckling.

Aunt Vivica and Aunt Marigold stopped bickering immediately.

"You what?"

"She's been promoted, you deaf pumpernickel!" Aunt Marigold said.
"Tell us, what happened?"

I took a glass, poured some orange juice into it, and quickly took a gulp.

"It was baffling! Remember Sadie?"

Aunt Vivica and Aunt Marigold drew close to the dining table and sat.

"Yes. The one who made an error with the funds?" Aunt Vivica said.

"Yes! She was stylishly embezzling,"

Both women gasped in shock.

"You don't say. I thought she was posh and mighty," said Aunt Marigold.

"Not for the accounts, she isn't," Aunt Vivica intercepted.

"Long story short, she was fired and I was asked to pick up where she left off.

"May the gods ever be in your favor dear child," Aunt Marigold said.

"Technically, it was a chance of luck," Aunt Vivica said.

Aunt Marigold gave her a cross stare.
"She was elevated. Period,"

The smell of sizzling pie wafted into my nostrils.
"Mmm, this is going to taste marvelous," I said.
"Apple pie, if I'm correct,"

"Indeed, you are," Aunt Marigold put on a flowery pair of mittens, to the oven, turned the heat down, and brought forth the pie.

"Just as the recipe dictated," said Aunt Marigold.

"It dictated sugar too, didn't it?" Aunt Vivica asked.

"For crying out loud Aunt, you should be terrified of sugar," I said.

Aunt Vivica folded her arms.

"Ruby dear, there's a chicken sauce and rice in the microwave. Help me set it on the table."

I did as Aunt instructed.
"Mmm, yum yum,"

Aunt Marigold cut out a reasonable proportion of the pie and gave me.

And as I had thought, the pie was simply glorious in its form.

We expressed thanks for our meal—as was our tradition—, said the Grace, and began our meal.

Let me not get started on the chicken sauce.

The meal was heavenly.