Temptation

Chapter One

Many of us have been faced with moments when our reflection in the mirror stared back and resembled someone we did not recognize. That was the case today as I fastened the last bobby pin into my hair. Having recently lost twenty kilograms as a result of a mad air with my local gym, I now fitted into a size 12 which I was more than happy with. As I stood there and took myself in, it wasn't my size or shape that had me screwing up my nose. It was the fact that I honestly did not know how to look the corporate part any more. In the mirror before me was a thirty-five-year-old woman with just a touch of make-up on. My blonde hair was neatly twirled into a bun, and I was wearing a black pinstriped skirt-suit, a pale pink blouse, and black peep-toe heels.

Your feet are going to hate you tonight, Alexis. Surely you realize this?

I looked down at my feet with sympathy, knowing these shoes were sure to punish me. Unfortunately, my fluffy slippers were not an option for today, nor would they complement my skirt. Gone were the days of comfortable clothing.For the past nine years, I had been shrugging on a pair of jeggings and t-shirt, or gym pants and a singlet, as those years had been spent getting the kids ready for school and kindergarten. I guess that was the reason why make-up and corporate attire were the last things on my mind.

If anything, my daily self-appraisal had been a quick glance in the mirror on my way out of the house, checking that I had no food stuck to my face or teeth.Today was an entirely different day, though. Because today was the day I started my first full-time job since having my two children, and I was beyond nervous.Sighing at my lame attempt to look professional, I smoothed down my skirt.

Ugh! This will have to do.

'Okay, ratbags, are you ready?' I shouted from the bathroom. 'We need to leave or Mummy will be late for her first day at work.'I took one last look at my reflection before making my way into the living room where both my adorable children were waiting by the garage door. I couldn't help but lovingly smile at them. 'Charli-Bear, your shoes are on the wrong feet. Nate, can you please help her fix them?'Nate rolled his eyes, then bent down and fixed his little sister's shoes. Like most siblings, they were both each other's best friends when not being worst enemies. Charlotte was six years old and in her first year of primary school, and Nate was three years her senior and living in his own land of sovereignty.'Mum, do I have to go to before-school care? I really don't want to. It's for babies.''Nate, it's not for babies. And yes, you do have to go. Please don't make this difficult.

I'm really excited about my new job, and anyway, you'll get the chance to sit quietly and draw your pictures.' I raised my eyebrows encouragingly and tilted my head.Nate dropped his head in disappointment and turned for the car, momentarily filling me with guilt. My nine-year-old son, despite being extremely independent, was still very much a mummy's boy and not very happy about my decision to go back to work.'What time will you be home, Mum?' he sulked.I reached forward and snagged his arm, pulling him in for a cuddle. 'I'm not sure, sweetheart. Hopefully before dinner. Dad will pick you both up at the gate after school. And ... I have your favorite meal cooking in the slow cooker, so it's all sorted.' I kissed his golden head and gently pushed him toward the car where his sister was already seated and buckled in. Not  even an hour later, I drove onto the entry ramp of the ullamarine Freeway and headed toward the city.

Oh, my God! Alexis, you are actually doing this, you are going back to work.

Apprehension, excitement and a little bit of dread started to stir in the pit of my stomach. Of course, I had known that this day would eventually come, but being a stay-at-home mum for the past nine years was what I had grown accustomed to; it was routine ... comfortable. Ten again, to say that it was comfortable is not an entirely accurate statement, because my life wasn't comfortable. In fact, it was far from it at times and certainly not easy.I don't deny that by staying home and raising my children, I've had the perk of not having to deal with clients, customers or an overbearing boss on a daily basis. And, admittedly, I could wear my slippers most days and throw my hair into a ponytail without even brushing it.