TNN ONESHOTS

Drinks - MK & J

Marjorie had always prided herself on her ability to separate her personal life from her professional one. As the manager of a thriving nursery, she knew that tough decisions came with the territory. But nothing could have prepared her for the day she had to fire her husband, Reece, who was also a deputy manager there.

Reece had been struggling with performance issues for months but Marjorie continued to support him and see the good in him. It wasn't until the complaint from a parent infront of Kathleen that it was time to let him go.

She knew that for the sake of the company, she had to let him go. The conversation was brief and somewhat professional, but the tension in the room was palpable. Marjorie delivered the news with a heavy heart, while Reece listened in stunned silence. He gathered his belongings, his face a mask of hurt and disbelief, and left the office without a word.

As the door closed behind him, Marjorie's carefully constructed facade crumbled. Tears streamed down her face as the reality of what she had done sunk in. She had just fired her husband, the man she loved, and she couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right decision. The weight of her responsibilities felt crushing, and she longed for the comfort of Reece's arms. But he was gone, and she was left, in her office, alone, with her regret and uncertainty.

The tears came without warning, a sudden downpour after weeks of carefully constructed calm. Marjorie sat at her desk, the city lights blurring through the panoramic window, mirroring the chaos in her mind. The weight of the company, the pressure of expectations, and the recent turmoil in her personal life had finally become too much to bear. She buried her face in her hands, sobs wracking her body as she tried to regain control.

A soft knock on the door startled her. Before she could compose herself, the door opened, and Janice, her longtime executive assistant, walked in. Janice's eyes widened with concern as she took in the sight of her usually composed boss in such distress. Without a word, Janice rushed to Marjorie's side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Marjorie?" Janice asked gently, her voice filled with genuine care. Marjorie hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether to confide in her. But Janice had always been more than just an assistant; she was a confidante, she was a friend. The words seemed trapped in her throat. "Janice, I... I don't know how to say this," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. Janice, ever the supportive friend, reached across the desk and gently took Marjorie's hand. "You can tell me anything, Marjorie. You know that, right?" With a shaky breath, Marjorie began to unravel, sharing her burdens, her fears, and her regrets.

Tears welled up in Marjorie's eyes as she finally unleashed the torrent of emotions that had been building inside her. She spoke of her fears, her insecurities, and the overwhelming pressure she felt to succeed. She confessed her doubts about her abilities and her constant worry about letting everyone down. As she spoke, Janice listened intently, offering words of encouragement and understanding.

When Marjorie finally finished, she felt a sense of relief, but also a wave of panic. She stood up abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest. "I can't do this," she gasped, her voice trembling. "I have to get out of here."

Before Janice could react, Marjorie turned and bolted towards the door, desperate to escape the suffocating confines of the office. But Janice was quick, leaping up from her chair and intercepting Marjorie just as she reached the exit. "Marjorie, stop!" Janice exclaimed, grabbing her arm gently but firmly. "Where do you think you're going?" Marjorie struggled against Janice's grip, her eyes wide with fear. "I can't stay here, Janice," she cried. "I'm going to break." Janice pulled Marjorie into a tight embrace, her voice soft and soothing. "You're not going to break, Marjorie," she whispered. "I'm not going to let you." As Marjorie sobbed in her arms, Janice held her close, offering the strength and support she so desperately needed. "We'll get through this together, Marjorie," Janice said.

After a particularly trying morning at the office, Janice knew exactly what Marjorie needed: a strong drink and a change of scenery. "Come on, Marjorie," Janice said, grabbing her purse. "Let's get out of here." Marjorie looked up, surprised. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice weary. "We're going to the crown," Janice replied with a grin. "My treat."

The dim lighting and lively chatter of the other costumers provided a welcome contrast to the sterile environment of the nursery. Janice led Marjorie to a quiet corner booth, where they settled in and ordered a couple of margaritas. As they sipped their drinks, the tension in Marjorie's shoulders began to ease. "Thanks, Janice," she said, offering a small smile. "I really needed this." Janice raised her glass in a toast. "To surviving another day," she said. "And to friends who know when you need a drink."

As the evening wore on, the two friends laughed, shared stories, and offered each other support. The margaritas flowed freely, and the weight of the day seemed to lift with each sip. By the time they finally decided to call it a night, Marjorie felt lighter and more relaxed than she had in weeks. "I don't know what I would do without you, Janice. Especially with Aut and Reece gone and Mia around," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. Janice wrapped her arm around Marjorie's shoulders to help steady her. "That's what friends are for," she said. "Now, let's get you home to your husband. "

In the car, the radio hummed a low tune as Janice navigated the winding roads toward Reeces house. Beside her, Marjorie was a giggling, swaying mass of happy incoherence. "Oh, Janice, you're the bestest friend a girl could ask for!" Marjorie slurred, leaning heavily against the passenger window.

Janice chuckled, "Someone had a bit too much fun tonight, huh?" She glanced over, making sure Marjorie was more or less upright. The night had started innocently enough with a quiet drinks to unwind, but somewhere between the second round of drinks and the shots, things had taken a turn.

The rest of the drive was a mix of off-key singing, rambling stories, and the occasional sleepy sigh from Marjorie. Finally, Janice pulled up to Marjorie's doorstep, the kitchen light casting a warm glow.

The car door creaked open, and Janice sighed, looking at Marjorie slumped in the passenger seat. "Come on, sleepyhead," she murmured, gently shaking Marjorie's shoulder. "We're here." Marjorie blinked, a slow, unfocused blink, before managing a wobbly smile. "Janice! You're the best," she mumbled, then promptly burst into a fit of giggles.

With a practiced hand, Janice unbuckled Marjorie's seatbelt and guided her out of the car. Marjorie swayed precariously, and Janice wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying her. "Easy now," Janice said, as they slowly made their way to the front door. The porch light flicked on, and Reece appeared, a mixture of amusement and concern on his face. "Well, well, what have we here?" he asked, stepping forward to help.

"She's all yours," Janice said, handing Marjorie over to Reece. "She had a bit of a night. Just make sure she drinks some water before she passes out." Reece chuckled, taking Marjorie into his arms. "Will do. Thanks for bringing her home, Janice. You're a lifesaver." Janice smiled, relieved to pass on the responsibility. "Anytime. Goodnight, you two.  Also you don't have work tomorrow or the day after. I booked it off for your to rest." With a final wave, she turned and headed back to her car, leaving Reece to deal with the happy, tipsy Marjorie.