A Woman in Search Of...

“What I don’t get is why did he ask me now? I haven’t changed anything about myself for ages.”

Cindy took Wendy’s hands, “Because he hadn’t had you, and I suppose his character, or lack thereof, needed to add you to his list.”

“You’re right, that makes sense. I don’t know how to act around him now. I was so taken with him all this time…I longed to share my deep feelings with him, but the other night I realized he didn’t have deep feelings. My desire for him vanished, although I still love his voice…sorry for rambling.”

“It’s fine. This question will sound odd, but have you put off getting back with Scott because you thought Brad would want you? I mean, he might consider you special once you got together and you’d see him often.”

Wendy frowned at Cindy, stood up and stepped across the room. She leaned against a bookcase. Cindy watched and waited. Wendy looked over at her friend and came back and sat down.

“I just want to be sure the changes Scott showed were real, but you might be right. I’ve worked a long time, to make myself look sharp, so Brad would want me as someone special. All the changes I made were with him in mind. My thoughts were always about being with him. How wrong I’ve been.”

“I’m glad you found out the truth about Brad.” Cindy waited a second before she asked, “Do you want to get back with Scott?”

Wendy didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I do, especially since I’ve seen and heard so much change in him. I’m determined to find out if it’s for real so I will have to go out with him.

“I don’t know how to thank you, you’re truly a great friend.”

“And so are you. It took guts to tell me about you and Brad. Our friendship was most important to you. I think we’ll always be good friends, family for life.”

“And, if I can ever help you, I’ll be there.”

“I know you will.”

They hugged tightly. Wendy realized she was transforming into someone she liked. Being ‘in style’ wasn’t important. Knowing what’s right and what’s wrong was important. She no longer needed to impress anyone and if they didn’t like her then too bad. Friendship and kindness were what mattered.

At home, she went to the study where Brad’s framed picture stood on her desk. She picked up the picture, shook her head and removed it from the frame. Without a second look, she ripped up the picture and tossed it into the trash. She leaned down next to her desk and picked up the marijuana container with all its paraphernalia. She went into the bathroom where she tore the wrappers from the joints and slowly flushed the marijuana down the toilet.

In her bedroom she leaned back against the pillows on her headboard and reminisced about all she’d been through and experienced in the almost two years since Scott and she separated. She was proud of her successful business and her contribution to the Showcase at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The partnering with Jake was a disaster but she finally accepted the fact it wasn’t her fault and let it go. Her personal life was filled with other memories, some good and some bad. Marty’s using her and the drugs that drove Elliott away were part of the reason her life had tumbled downward. She learned some things the hard way. Most importantly, she was lucky to have Cindy as such a great friend. In the end, her greatest lesson was from Brad. She learned sometimes people aren’t all they seem to be, but she hoped Scott was now all he seemed to be.