Tear Away

Chapter 10

Scarlett was living on cloud 9, her whole life was revolving around Mark and she had very little concept of anything happening outside of their home. She was missing more days of work than she was attending and even though Mark was still working she didn't feel the need to leave the house when he did. She was forgetting to return Toms call missed her weekly meeting with her boss on more than one occasion.

That evening she'd prepared dinner for Mark and was dishing up when he came in the front door. He kissed her on the head as he took off his coat.

"I tried to call you at the office today..."

"Oh? is everything okay?" 

"Yeah, Sophie said she hadn't seen you for a few days" Scarlett froze, she had no idea that Sophie was back in the office. Her blood went cold at the thought of Sophie and Mark talking. Mark didn't notice her reaction as he continued to regale his story. "I found out today that the gallery is getting a new exhibition  and we need to organise an opening evening again. As we did so well last time I thought we could work together again" Mark had sat at the table by now and was helping himself to potatoes, he hadn't noticed that Scarlett had turned white.

"Sounds good..." The words hung in the air as her mind was racing a thousand miles a minute. She hadn't given work much thought since she had moved in with Mark. She had been so focused on making home for him, cooking for him, cleaning for him, that work had taken a back seat. She realised maybe this hadn't been the best thing for her to do as he didn't' seem to notice all the work she'd been doing in the house. She'd scrubbed the floors, and skirting boards, she'd even found some old tins of paint and had touched up the ceiling in the kitchen, and the front hallway. She resolved to go into work in the morning, but the thought of it made her sick to her stomach. She'd just have to leave early so she could still do the washing and have dinner ready for when he came home. She could manage to do both, be a working woman and a home maker. 

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Scarlett paused on the steps as she took a deep breath, steadying herself before she walked into the office. She could do this, today is new chapter. She knew she could do her job, she was good as it and enjoyed it. She knew she could make home with Mark, she loved him, he loved her and she was happy. But could she do both?

"Sophie!" Scarlett nodded in her direction before finding her own seat and switching on the computer.  Sophie didn't say anything but just raised her eye brows and as she watched her.

"SCARLETT!" Scarlett jumped as Jane walkws into the open plan room. 

"Jane, how are you?" Scarlett's hands were sweating and her heart was racing. She was strong, she told herself, she could do this. 

Jane marched towards her. "Meeting room, now!" She wasn't happy but Scarlett had dealt with men twice her size, she'd be okay she told herself.

Scarlett remembered to pick up her note pad and followed her boss into the glass walked room. She felt her eyes filling with tears but wanted to be strong. Closing the door behind her she kept her back tot he rest of the office, she wasn't going to let Sophie she her weakness. Scarlett tired to appease Jane first.

"I was talking to Mark yesterday, he mentioned an..."

"Sophie is running the opening this time Scarlett." Scarletts face dropped and tried to speak but Jane cut her off. "Since you've been ...ill... Sophie has been in a 7, leaving at 9. She's worked hard and has proved herself. I won't hear a word against her. She already spoke to Mark yesterday and is planning the event herself. I want you to follow her lead and do what she needs." Jane didn't wait for an answer and walked out of the room leaving Scarlett alone. Scarlett quickly wiped her eyes, before making her way to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she'd composed herself and wiped her mascara and was making her way to her desk. She kept her head down and didn't look at Sophie, not wanting to see the smug look on her face. Her computer had warmed up so she opened her email. The first email was from Sophie, Scarlett took a deep breath before clicking open. This wasn't going to be a fun project.