TNN ONESHOTS

Maternity leave - MK & AFK

Friday rolled around, and Autumn sat quietly in the office where she and Marjorie first met, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and paper filling the air. Today felt different she knew it was going to happen at some point, but it didn't make it any easier. There was a weight in her chest that she couldn’t shake off. She knew today was the day. As she stirred her drink absentmindedly, she glanced at Marjorie, who was animatedly talking to Charlotte about her latest shopping trip with a huge smile plastered on her face and her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Autumn smiled weakly, knowing that soon, everything would change. She knew that Charlotte wouldn't be in and out the office to chat to Marjorie, but instead, she would be in to flirt with her girlfriend that Autumn had set up to cover her. It wasn't intended to hurt Marjorie but more to protect her because she knew that Mia wouldn't take no crap from the parents.

She waited for Charlotte to leave the room before clearing her throat. “Marjorie,” Autumn finally said, her voice trembling slightly. “I have something important to tell you.” Marjorie paused, her expression shifting to one of concern. “What is it, my love? You look serious. Is everything okay?” Marjorie spoke softly as she moved towards Autumn.

Taking a deep breath, Autumn mustered the courage to share her news. “I’m going on maternity leave starting Monday, so next week.” The words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Marjorie’s eyes widened, and for a moment, silence enveloped them. “Today is friday.” she finally breathed, her voice thick with sadness. “I’m so happy for you, but I’m really going to miss you.” All Marjorie wanted to do was embrace her friend, but she knew that she wouldn't appreciate it.

Autumn felt a lump form in her throat. “I’m going to miss you too. It’s just… I’ve secretly loved working with you and being part of the team. It feels like I’m stepping away from everything I know, but i physically can't carry on the way, am i. It's taking a toll on Winter as well now. Im just so uncomfortable, and he's worried about me all the time.” Tears brimmed in her eyes, and Marjorie reached out, squeezing her hand tightly.

“I get it,” Marjorie said softly. “This is a huge change, and it’s okay to feel sad about it. You’re not just leaving work; you’re stepping into a whole new chapter of your life.” Autumn nodded, her heart aching at the thought of leaving her friend and the routine they had built together. "And best believe i will be coming over all the time. " She whispered to make light of the situation.

“I’ll always be here for you, no matter what,” Marjorie promised, wiping away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. “And when you’re ready, we’ll make new memories together, here in the office and at home with your little girl. You’re going to be an amazing mum.” Autumn smiled through her tears, feeling grateful for the unwavering support of her friend.

"Can i have that hug now?" Marjorie nodded as they soon shared a long embrace, knowing that while things were changing, their friendship would remain a constant source of strength and love. "Thank you for letting me hug you," Marjorie whispered while rubbing Autumn’s back. "I knew you were desperate from the second you stood up. I just wanted to make you wait." She told her while smirking. Making her roll her eyes playfully.

Once they finally let go, Marjorie sat at her desk, the soft hum of the office around her feeling distant and muted. She had been trying to focus on her work, but the weight of her emotions was becoming unbearable. Autumn’s upcoming maternity leave loomed over her like a dark cloud, and despite her best efforts to stay strong, the tears began to well up in her eyes.

She quickly swiped at her cheeks, hoping to stave off the inevitable. Marjorie took a deep breath and glanced around the office, making sure no one was watching. The last thing she wanted was for Autumn to see her like this. She admired her friend’s strength and secret excitement about the new chapter in her life, but the thought of losing her presence at work felt like a heavy blow.

As she turned back to her computer screen, the words blurred together. She blinked rapidly, willing herself to regain composure. Just then, she heard the familiar sound of Autumn’s laughter echoing from the other side of the room. It was a sound that usually brought her joy, but today, it only deepened her sorrow. Marjorie knew she had to pull herself together before Autumn noticed.

She quickly stood up and walked to the restroom, hoping to find a moment of solitude. Once inside, she leaned against the sink and took a few deep breaths. “Get it together, Marj,” she whispered to herself. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to wash away the sadness. But as she looked in the mirror, she could see the truth in her eyes—a mixture of happiness for autumn and an overwhelming sense of loss.

After a few minutes, she composed herself and returned to her desk, just in time to see Autumn sat at her desk, a soft smile on her face. “Hey, everything okay?” Autumn asked, her voice filled with warmth. Marjorie forced a smile, nodding quickly. “Yeah, just needed the toilet, you know?”

Autumn raised an eyebrow, sensing something off but choosing to let it go for now. “If you need to talk, I’m here,” she said, her concern evident. Marjorie felt a pang of guilt; she didn’t want to burden her friend with her sadness, especially not when Autumn was about to embark on such a joyous journey.

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” Marjorie replied, her voice steady. They spent the rest of the day working side by side, and while Marjorie managed to hide her tears, the ache in her heart remained. She knew that saying goodbye to Autumn’s daily presence would be one of the hardest things she’d ever face, but she also knew that their friendship would endure, no matter the distance.

As the clock ticked down to the end of her final shift, Marjorie felt a storm of emotions brewing inside her. The office was buzzing with the usual end-of-day chatter, but all she could focus on was the impending goodbye to Autumn. They had shared countless laughs, late nights, and coffee breaks, and the thought of losing that connection felt unbearable.

Marjorie tried to keep herself busy, finishing up her tasks and organizing her desk, but every time she glanced over at Autumn, who was happily chatting with their coworkers before they left, her heart ached a little more. Autumn was so excited about her new journey into motherhood, and Marjorie couldn’t help but feel a mix of joy and sorrow.

As the final minutes approached, Marjorie’s resolve began to crumble. She took a deep breath, hoping to hold back the tears, but it was no use. When the clock struck five, signaling the end of the workday, she felt the floodgates open. Autumn turned to her, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

“Hey, Marj, are you okay?” Autumn asked, her voice laced with concern. Marjorie shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I don’t want you to go,” she managed to choke out. In an instant, Autumn was by her side, wrapping her arms around Marjorie.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Autumn whispered, holding her tightly. Marjorie let the tears flow freely now, the weight of the moment crashing down on her. She clung to Autumn, feeling the warmth and comfort of her friend’s embrace. “I’m so happy for you, but I’m going to miss you so much,” she sobbed.

“I’ll miss you too, more than you know,” Autumn replied softly, stroking Marjorie’s hair. “But this isn’t goodbye forever. We’ll still be friends, and I’ll always be just a call away and lets be real you practically live next door to me anyway.” Marjorie nodded, but the thought of not seeing Autumn every day felt like a huge void.

As the tears slowly subsided, Marjorie pulled back to look into Autumn’s eyes. “Thank you for everything,” she said, her voice still shaky. Autumn smiled through her own misty eyes. “You’ve been my rock, and I couldn’t have done this without you. We’ll get through this, I promise.”

With that, they shared a final hug, holding on tightly as if trying to freeze the moment in time. Marjorie knew the road ahead would be different, but with Autumn’s reassurance, she felt a flicker of hope. As they stepped back, Autumn wiped away a tear from Marjorie’s cheek. “Now, let’s make sure you’re ready for our next adventure—whatever that may be!”

And with that, they both smiled, knowing that while things were changing, their bond would remain strong, no matter the distance.