A passion for work

What now?

Tatum had completely zoned out. She heard nothing but a loud ringning in her ears, not the heated argument between Jane and the man, not him slamming the door and leaving them alone. She was rocking back and forth on the bed, nervously twirling her hair around her fingers. What was this perfect morning had quickly turned into a nightmare.

And now Tatum was going to lose her job. No, she couldn't! She wasn't at a point in her life where she could handle that much change coming out of nowhere! She was going to break down. Needing a distraction, she glanced over at Jane, who was sitting next to her just crying. Within a moment Tatum was out of her zoned out state, relieved of her stress and filled completely with empathy.

Jane saw her looking and let out "I'm fine. I swear. This is how I handle stress." Tatum moved closer to her and held her shaking body in her arms, hugging her tightly and with so much love. She hated seeing Jane upset, even though she said she was fine. Tatum knew from experience that could easily be a lie, she had told it herself many times.

Jane started to calm down a bit, doing breathing exercises and hugging Tatum back. "It always feels better after you've cried it all out." She smiled at Tatum, her face wet with tears. Tatum used her hand to tenderly dry some of Jane's tears off her beautiful face. Tatum held her face in both hands, and they shared the most vurnorable kiss. Tatum was feeling better. "We will get through this. Together."

An hour later

Tatum was standing with her head down, fidgeting her body. She was standing in the (temporary) office of the CEO of A&B's law firm. The CEO had to cancel some meetings to get to the city where Tatum lived, because she was the only one with the authority to fire Jane. Even though Jane was very new at the firm, they must've felt it would be rude not to fire her face to face. Tatum knew that was coming, she was getting fired.

The man (who she had found out was Jane's best friend) who walked in on them had snitched and the company had a zero-tolerance policy towards romantic or sexual relationships within the work base. Of course, Tatum was nervous, but she didn't feel as insecure about her space of mind as she did before, and she knew exactly what was the reason. Jane Darce. Whenever they were together, Tatum felt like she could do anything, be anything she set her mind to.

The CEO, a woman Jane's age but nowhere near as radiant, walked in the room. Strangely, Tatum felt honored to be fired by her of all people, seeing as Tatum's position in the company wasn't that high. Still, she had put two years of hard work into this job and she was sad to have to leave it behind. But she and Jane would make it work.

"My name is Ramona Vega, pleased to meet you." She reached out her hand and Tatum took it, stuttering "S-same." "It's a strange thing to meet someone for the first time only to tell them about termenating their enployment." There they were. The words that would change Tatum's life. "You seem to be a very capable young woman and I'm sad to let you go. But without meaning any disrespect, you knew what you were getting into when starting a relationship with Miss Darce."

Tatum nodded. She probably should, but she didn't feel embarrassed. Her feelings for Jane was something she didn't wish to hide from anyone. "It is with a well wishing goodbye that I must now ask you to pack your things." Tatum was no longer fidgeting. She wasn't nervous, because she had gotten through the confrontation and came out whole on the other side. "Thank you, ma'm." And with that Tatum left the office.

She carefully placed her tiny succulents in a moving box, along with her other few personal belongings. She took the elevator down and stood in the lobby, calling Jane on her phone. "Hi! I'm done, where are you?" "The park on 26th." Tatum knew exactly where she meant. "Could we meet at the cherry tree?" "That's perfect." Tatum could hear Jane smile through the phone. None of them were all that upset. They were just happy to have each other.

Tatum stepped off the bus and walked through the park the short distance to the cherry tree. Standing underneath it, Jane looked like a dream. Tatum had seen her this morning but seeing her again opened her eyes. She was wearing a light blue sundress with a belt, sandals and her hair was out. She had on a light pink lipstick and pearl earrings. She was so perfect.

Tatum walked up to Jane and greeted her with a tender hug. "I'm so glad to see you." Jane spoke her words with an overbearing calmness in her voice. "Me too." They looked at each other in the sunlight, cherry blossom leaves falling from the branches above. "So, what now?" Tatum said curiously and Jane laughed. "I have already been offered a job in a law firm by a friend. It's a lower position but it's a good oportunity and I'm convinced you could get a job there as well."

Tatum looked at her nervously. "Any rules against dating coworkers?" Jane flashed her a big, mischievous smile. "No." Tatum was relieved, but not entirely. "Then what's the con?" Jane sighed. "It's in a different city." Tatum wasn't very shocked. The job offer sounded too good to be true. She didn't want to leave the city she called home. From the short walking distances everywhere to her favorite coffe shop and gorgeous apartment, this city was perfect for her. But so was Jane.

And Tatum knew the first time she came into her life, she wouldn't be able to live without her. Jane was looking at the ground, kicking her feet back and forth. She seemed to be in deep thought. "You don't have to come." What Tatum said next she said with incredible confidence, she was sure.

"I'm coming with you." Jane looked up at her, her whole face shining. She was so happy. "You would do that for me?" Tatum smiled back at her. "Any day." Jane grabbed Tatum's face and gave her the most passionate kiss. Tatum held her body close as they kissed and when Jane pulled away it was only to catch her breath. "I'm so lucky." Tatum smiled sheepishly. "I'm the lucky one."