Didn't Stand a Chance

3. Annabelle

Thank goodness it is Friday, it has been a long week. I am so ready for the weekend, I just needed to get through these last few hours of work.

I work as an office manager at a large accounting firm. It pays my bills while I take online closes to finish my accounting degree. I had to leave school suddenly after my parent's death. I hope to get hired on as an actual accountant after finishing my degree. That is still at least a year down the road, if not two. I don't hate my job, I love the company as they are supportive and flexible with my hectic life of carting two teenagers around.

My phone ringing brings me back to reality. I look down and see Grayson's name. The clock show 3:15 so he should be getting ready for football practice. He never calls me at this time. A million worries run through my head as I answer the phone, "Gray, is everything okay? Is Karson okay? Do I need to come pick you up? Are either...?"

"Annabelle! Breathe. I am fine. Karson is fine. We don't need picked up."

I let out a breathe of relief. "If everything is good, why are you calling?"

"I have Karson here with me and we were wondering if we could spend the night at Nick's tonight? He said that his parents could take us home from practice today and you could pick us up from their house tomorrow whenever you had time."

This is could work with. I know Nick and his parents, and they are good people. The twins have been friends with Nick since kindergarten and they helped out tremendously the first year after I moved back home. "Sure, I am good with that. Do you need me to bring you both over some clothes or toiletries?"

"No, we are gonna stop by our house on the way home from practice since it is on the way to their house."

"Well send me text if you need anything."

"We will! Thanks Anna! You're the best! Love ya!"

"Love you both too! Stay safe and have fun." With that they hang up. Now what should I do on this Friday night?

My whole life has become taking of my brothers. The social worker gave me the option of not taking custody of my brothers and letting them go into foster care, but for me, it was never an option. I would always choose them, even after knowing the challenges that come with it. Those boys are worth all the sacrifices I have made and more.

Before I get back to work I text Layla and ask if she wants to go out tonight since I am sibling free. It is rare when I have a free night, especially on a Friday. It would be nice to go out tonight and let loose. It will probably be a while before I hear back from her, she is meeting with a new client today that could be a huge deal for her business. Layla is an interior designer and recently started her own company. She said it has been slow going, but hopefully this client would help her company grow and become established in the Kansas City area.

I get back to work for the last hour and a half of the day. I first respond to a few emails then spend the remainder of the time filing. While I hate filing, it is a necessary evil with office jobs. I would rather spend a little time filing and be able to find the documents than lose it in the chaos and have to remake it.

By the time 5 o'clock rolls around, I have almost finished my file pile. I will have to finish it next week. I grab my jacket, purse, phone and keys as I head out of the office I say goodby to a few of my coworkers and wish them a happy weekend. When I get out to my small SUV, I finally check my phone and see a message from Layla.

Let's meet for dinner at 6:30 at Nonna's then we will go for fun and drinks after! Dinner is on me since I secured that last be client I was telling you about!

Congratulations! I knew you could do it, I replied. I will see you there! I cant wait!

I am so happy she made the plans. She knows I hate deciding plans. For some reason it always stresses me out. I can make plans at work and for myself and the boys, but I absolutely hate planning things for friends. I have always hated it. I am also pleased that she chose Nonna's. Nonna's is an Italian restaurant in the city. It is not the most expensive place, but it is pricier than what I usually go for. It has some of the best food that I have ever had. Italian food is my absolute favorite type of food.

Since I have an hour and a half before I need to be at the restaurant, I head home to shower and change out of my work clothes. I look at my closet and realize that I don't have many "going out" outfits or dresses. I don't have much time, with classes, the boys, and work. I decide on a classic little black dress. It is a black lace that has 3/4 length sleeves and comes to about mid-thigh. I decide to wear my flats since I don't want to break an ankle while wearing my black heels. I look in the mirror and decide I need to put on at least a little makeup. I put on a thin layer of foundation, blush, simple smoky eyeshadow, mascara, and a classic red lipstick. I am firm believer that you can never go wrong with a neutral red lip, it was one thing my mom always wore.

After I am done getting ready, I call an Uber because I don't want to driving after having some drinks tonight. When the ride shows up I let Layla know that I am on my way and will see her shortly . She replies that she already there and has just ordered the wine. I know I am not late, Layla is just always early.

When I get the restaurant I let the hostess know my friend is already here and she escorts me to a table by one of the windows. I give Layla a hug and for some reason I feel like tonight is going to be special.