The Last Straw - Short Story
75
Cheryl glanced up at the clock, 10.50pm. With a sigh she shut down the computer and turned off the desk lamp. Going to the kitchen she rinsed her coffee cup and tidied the kitchen before heading off to bed.
Just then she heard Stuart’s key turning slowly in the lock.
He looked surprised to see her. “You didn’t have to wait up. Didn’t get my text to say I would be working late?”
It was typical of him to assume that, one she had been waiting up for him, and two that she would believe his text that he was working late as word, especially as he reeked of perfume.
“Did you have a productive evening?” she asked, but he obviously didn’t hear the sarcasm in her tone.
“Yes the meeting went well, in fact very well indeed”
“They take you for granted; this is the third night this week that you’ve had to work late”
Stuart poured himself a coffee
“I have to make good impression, you know show willing. Sometimes I wish I was as lucky as you are, staying at home all day doing nothing but look after the kids and the house, you have the easy life.”
Cheryl was livid; it took all her concentration to keep her tongue still. He had no idea what it was like taking care of three boisterous children, running back and forth to school and sports events, and taking his Mother shopping twice a week, and keeping the home clean and tidy. It was definitely not the relaxed lifestyle that he seemed to imagine.
“Oh guess what” he grinned not noticing how she was glaring at him. “Brian is leaving, that means there is a promotion in the offing, and I’m sure they’ll offer it to me”
“Won’t they advertise the job outside of the company?” She asked.
“Well yes but that doesn’t mean anything, I’m certain they will give me the promotion and that will mean a huge pay rise. Even more reason for you to sit back and relax, have long lunches with your friends and pamper yourself at the beauty salon.”
“Is that what you think? That I spend my days having long lunches and going to the beauty salon?” Replied Cheryl clenching her jaw.
“Well OK, maybe not the beauty salon” he shrugged his shoulders “But maybe you should, and sign up for a gym too, you have let yourself go lately and I noticed you are putting on weight, getting plump”
That was it, she’d put up with his affairs and his attitude for the sake of the kids, but to stand there and complain about her looks when she was run ragged all day long, that was the last straw.
“That’s it we are through, pack your things and get out! GET OUT!” she yelled.
Over the next week Cheryl ignored his calls, text messages and emails but she couldn’t do that forever.
'I’ll meet you in your office tomorrow morning 9am sharp.' She emailed him.
Stuart's face lit up when she walked into his office next morning.
“I’m glad you’re here” he said “We need to talk, I miss you, I really want to come home. We can sort things out; I want things to go back the way they were”
“If you want a home life then I suggest you move in with your girlfriend”
His face went visibly pale “Oh… did you know about that? It’s over I promise, it was nothing, she meant nothing to me, it’s over I swear”
Cheryl smiled “Yes I heard she dumped you when you didn’t get that promotion you were so sure of. Actually Stuart I’m here to tell you that things are going to change from now on”
He looked at her puzzled, as if seeing her for the first time. “What’s with the power suit and the briefcase?” he frowned.
“All those years that you thought I was just relaxing and pampering myself and having an easy life, in my spare time I’ve been doing an online degree. It was a struggle and it meant I often had to work and study late at night but I achieved it. You never noticed because you were always with your mistress instead of being at home”
Cheryl turned and walked away but Stuart followed her down the corridor. “Can we get back together?” he almost whimpered. “At least can I call you?’ he pleaded.
Instead of heading for the elevator Cheryl walked into a large spacious office with big picture windows and views over the city. She sat down behind the mahogany desk… the one ready for the new head of department.
“Oh yes you can call me… from now on you can call me ‘Boss’. Oh and your mother wants you to take her shopping tomorrow”
© Rosemary Sadler Feb 2012
I am suffering a little with RSI so please don’t think I’ve forgotten you if I don’t respond to your comments for a couple of days.
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- Swept Away on the Tide
Life is like the sea. Everything can be washed away on the tide. Take care of how you live it
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Leave him but if you havee children then teach him a lesson?
I am so totally delighted with this story. She not only got her revenge but she one-upped him on the job. Great and funny.
This story reminds me the old proverb: Tit for tat.
I enjoyed this feel good story.
There is nothing worse than a female boss on a power trip, unless, she is your ex-wife.
Use a pen tablet and vocal software. Hope you feel better. Soak it in saltwater and then put it in hot sand. Go to the beach!
Morning Rosemary.
This is the type of hub we don't see very often on HP.
You could say this is one for the girls.
Well put together and the out come brought a smile to my face. Take care and have a nice day.
LOL Ghaelach
Hi, Rosemary, Cheryl is MY kind of woman. Well done, tiger. Sorry 'bout your RSI. Pamper it and then tell it goodbye.
Well written, nice story with a neat twist at the end. Well done. I'll read more of your stuff.
I loved this story. The good guy wins and she's wearing a white hat.
Just a quick thank you to everyone. I will respond more personally later on.
Hello Rosemay. That turn about is fair play stuff can sure sting. Feel better soon. Clever story.
Great story, love the ending. Checkmate!
This is a great story Rosemary..Woman power..YEA..loved it.
Love this "You can call me boss". Please rest the wrist, don't worry about reply til better. Regards, snakeslane
Voted up and awesome, this is a fantastic I'm so glad she's dumped him and now is his Boss maybe another part were she fires him, seriously. Not at all sure what RSI means.I have a carpal problem with nerves going through hand most of the time.
I loved this story. Well done. OK, what is RSI?? Just curious.
Rosemay, pardon me. An explaination from Becky is that: RSI is all of the different problems lumped together, carpel tunnel, ulnar nerve damage, tendonitis, etc. It is used to denote all or one of them.
Stands for Repetitive Strain Injury. From repetitive movements causing the injuries. I Googled it.
I hate to admit it but I loved it.. :)
it's great that she gained her life back...some would be devastated by the loss...great story Rosemay...you kicked him in the gut...
by the way...get well soon...
Talk about putting a man in his place! This lady is strong and powerful. WhooHoo to you Rosemay.
Wow, the ultimate revenge. She really hit him where it hurts.
Hi Rosemay,
Yes! Stuart got his just deserts. Go Cheryl!
Voted up and away.
Take Care
Awesome! Voted up - hope you feel better soon!
Oh My Rosemary this was so great! I am doing the dum dum dummmp dance...This was such a great story...the ending priceless. Great Job! Hope you are doing well...so sorry it took me so long to get here..:)
Hugs
Rosemay, great job! Wow, this was awesome. You really have did a great job with this story. I must say, I look forward to more of them. Sorry about your circumstance. I will keep you in my prayers dear Rosemay. I hope you feel better and hope you have a great weekend. Take care, rest, and get well.
Wow that was a Treat to read Rosemay...very well done with just the right Twist. Look forward to more of this edge to your work! Hope you're feeling better.
HaHa! This was great ! I loved it ! voted up and all the way :)
Oh if it only were true...many times over! lol
Great fun read, voted up.
I love a twist to the tale.. and this one sounds just right! Have a wonderful day! God Bless!
Hi Mar
Pleased you thought this story wickedly wonderful:). I would certainly like to write more like this. Fun to do.
Thank you for the vote my friend
KayyKayy Thank you for the visit
Becky I am delighted you enjoyed this story. Yes she certainly ahowed him who is bos :)
Vinaya. definately tit for tat. And she certainly did feel good:)
@ WD Curry
Haha Nothing like a woman scorned aye :). I did like your suggestion for a remedy… just perfect
@ Ghaelach
One for the girls yes but males might learn a few tricks from reading this type of story. Lol. Pleased it brought a smile to your face :)
@ drbj
Cheryl is certainly a woman to be admired. Not too good at pampering myself, 2 steps forward and 1 step back so slow job :)
@ Melchius
Nice to meet you. I am pleased you enjoyed the story. Thank you for reading. I will be popping along in the next few days to read some of your hubs.
@ Pegcole
Hi Peg so pleased you enjoyed this story, not only is she wearing the white hat but also the pants now too. Thank you for reading
@ mckbirdbks
Hi Mike. I am sure he definitely felt the sting, and serves him right too Lol. Thanks for popping in
@ Gypsy48
I am pleased you enjoyed the story. Definitely check mate. Thank you for reading
@ always exploring
I thought you would like this one Ruby. Woman power ?
Thanks for dropping in
@ snakeslane
Pleased you enjoyed the story. The wrist is now starting to improve thank you
@ writer20
Hi Joyce thank you for your enthusiastic comment ? , I am pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading. I think he’ll look for another job, don’t you?
@ Mary615
Thank you for dropping by. I am pleased you enjoyed the story.
I see Mike and Becky have explained the RSI for me.
Thank you both Mike and Becky for so thoughtfully jumping in here and giving this explanation for me. Your kindness is much appreciated
You're welcome Rosemay, it was no problem. Don't go overdoing now. We don't want you to take another step back. We miss you too much for that. Love ya.
@ Frank Atanacio
Thank you for sticking with it to the end Frank, pleased you loved it :)
@ raciniwa
Yeah he got what he deserved and she survived and became stronger.
Thank you for the well wishes.
@ Hyphenbird
Yes he was definitely put in his place by this powerful woman
Thank you for dropping by
@ PHILLYDREAMER
Oh yes he was sure hurting. Lol Nothing like a woman scorned. Thank you for reading
@ Sueswan
Just desserts without the sugar coating. Yeah Go Cheryl.
Thank you for dropping in. I am pleased you enjoyed it
@ LABrashear
Thank you for dropping by and reading. Pleased you enjoyed and thanks for the well wishes.
@ Sunnie Day
I can just see you doing the dum dummmmp dance. Lol. I am pleased you enjoyed the story.
Thank you for popping in
@ thelyricwriter
Hi Ricky I am pleased you enjoyed this story, I will be writing more like this. Thank you for the prayers and well wishes, getting right slowly but surely.
@ b. Malin
Thank you for dropping by and for the compliment. I enjoyed writing this so will try some more. Thank you for the well wishes
@ jami l. Pereira
Hi Jami I am pleased you enjoyed this and it gave you a laugh, probably a much needed laugh.
Take care my friend
@ Jackie Lynnley
Oh I do so agree, that’s what these cheating men deserve. Lol
Pleased you enjoyed it.
@ Sofs
Thank you for dropping by, I am pleased you enjoyed the read.
Will be popping over to your end soon
@ Becky Katz
Nice to have such good friends. Love ya too
This was an enjoyable read, there is nothing like the taste of sweet revenge, simply wonderful :)
Thank you nighthag. Just love her style... revenge with class, doesn't come any better aye :)
I am a little late finding this one; but better late than never.
I loved it and thank you for sharing.
Have a wonderful day my dear friend.
Eddy.
Hi Eddy
It is never late for reading Lol.
I am so far behind because of my RSI it is going to take me a long while to catch up.
Thank you for popping in
Ha ha! What a fun read! Great twist in the end. Who would have imagined? Loved it!!
Hi SannaeL
Yes he didn't see that coming Lol. So pleased you enjoyed the read. I had fun writing it.
Thank you for dropping by
Well written, awesome flow, and loved the ending! And, thank you Rosemay. Looking up RSI at wikipedia I printed the egronomical map for sitting at a desk. I will take it on Sat to do some measuring + when I go for new desk glasses I will focus on that too! I got two for the price of one (if not three). Hmmmm, plus you just gave me a hub idea. Thank You!
tim
Hi again Tim. So pleased you enjoyed this story, it was fun to write. RSI is almost right again now with inflamatory pills. 2 glasses for the price of one that is good, don't make the same mistake as I did last time and only read the book they give you, insist on looking at a computer screen, big difference.
Thanks again for reading. Looking forward to your new hub :)
My kind of story, Rosemary. One never knows what another person's duties imply before you perform them yourself. Too many men, in their capacity as husbands and bosses at work, have no fricken idea what the duties of a housewife or secretary/bookkeeper/whoever imply. They THINK they are able to do it better and faster. I hate this kind of man, although I no longer take him to heart. I just feel sorry for him, for being so self-absorbed and so willing, oh, always so willing, to enjoy whatever privileges fall onto their laps in spite of their promises NOT to enjoy them.
This story was entertaining and inter alia because it is short and sweet to the point. A perfect short (short) story. Voted up and awesome :))
Most men have such closed minds when it comes to wives at home and they certainly do not realise just how much work secretary/bookkeeper do for them, nor how often those ladies save their asses. As far as cheating goes I could tell you stories of my ex that would shock you.
Thank you for reading and I am pleased you enjoyed it. The vote up is much appreciated.
Great Hub! Voted up & awesome. I loved the ending. Be blessed.
Hi, what a great story! I was secretly hoping that she would say, your fired! haha!
I am pleased you enjoyed this story Diana
Thank you for the visit and the vote, much appreciated
Haha I think it would be worse for him to continue working with her as his boss, just imagine his embarrassment with his collegues. Lol More fun keeping him on. hee hee
Thank you for dropping by
Hi Rosemay, How did I miss this? sorry - I just said to Nick yesterday I hadn't seen you for a while, I hope the RSI has improved, I've had that and it's so frustrating!
I love this story - a great twist, fantastic and voted up!
Best wishes Lesley
Hi Lesley
A lot easier now thank you and yes it is frustrating.
I am pleased you enjoyed the story, I may try more like this Lol
Thank you for the vote much appreciated
Hi Rosemay-First and foremost, I hope your feeling better :) This story was awesome. She was a strong confident woman and didn't feel sorry for herself with her situation with the hubby. She was smart and didn't rely on him for everything like some of us do when were in love. She is my kind of gal. Loved how you ended the story. Just great and very empowering!
Hi Minne
Thank you my wrist is a lot better now, just need to make sure I don't do too much typing and mouse clicking. Lol
Yeah she is my kind of gal too. It is so easy to slip into that dependancy role especially when the wife doesn't work. She held her head high and did what she had to do. I am pleased you enjoyed the story and gained something from it.
Thank you for reading
Whoa! Rosemay, I loved this story! You kept it moving forward, kept the interest high, had twists and turns, and then that major twist at the end. I did break out laughing. Unfortunately, I know a lot of men see their wife in the same way that Stuart "saw" Cheryl.
Great hub, and thank you for my morning laugh. A good laugh always helps one to get moving!
James W. Nelson
Hi James
Unfortunately you are right far too many men think a stay at home Mom has an easy life. Wouldn't it be good if there was an international 'Role swap week' Both parties would learn a lot and have more consideration for each other. It may be quite funny too.
I am pleased you anjoyed the story and it gave you a laugh.
Thank you for reading
nice work rosemay. I enjoyed that very much :-)
Hi Justin
Thank you for dropping by. I am pleased you enjoyed the story.
I owe you a visit, so will pop along soon
I enjoyed the story very much. It's written very nicely with touches of fun elements that made the story really so interesting! Voted Up & Awesome.
Take care Rosemay. Best Wishes, Kamalesh
Wonderful hub Rosemay, and hoping you get plenty of rest to relieve the RSI dear heart. God Bless You .
Hello Stars
My wrist is better now thank you.
I am pleased you enjoyed the story :)
I kind of thought she was going to offer to trade jobs with him. Let him take care of the kids for awhile.I have a nephew who stays home with the kids while his wife has a career. Probably sensible because they live in one of the better suburbs, she must have more earning power. The guy in your story is the opposite. He underestimates his wife.
Hi dahoglund
The days are long gone when traditional roles were expected. If a woman can earn as much or more than her husband it is logical that she is the one to go out to work. I know a few people who have switched roles and it works well.
The guy in this story was far too arrogent to believe his wife was capable of anything more than lunching out and pampering herself. He was rudely awakened.
Thank you for coming along and reading my story.
How clever! Enjoyed this story of revenge very much. Good job.
Great twist! I loved it.
Hi Suzanne
I'm pleased you enjoyed this story, revenge is sweet :)
Thank you for reading
Hi Will
Thank you for dropping by. Pleased that men are enjoying this story as much as the women :)
LOL. Funny ending.
Hi Senorita
Thanks for the visit. I'm pleased you enjoyed it
Enjoy the rest of your Easter
Great little story - definitely one for girl power. Loved the twist in the end. Well written. Glad your wrist is better- that means we get to see more of your writing. Voted up!
Hi Docmo
Haha yes ((( Girl power ))) Lol
Thank you for the compliment, it is very much appreciated coming from a good story writer as yourself.
Yes my wrist is better, I just have to get the brain into gear now :)
I'm pleased you enjoyed it and thanks for the vote up.
marcoujor Level 8 Commenter 3 months ago
Ooohhh, Rosemay,
This is wickedly wonderful! You have clearly studied at the school of 'you just never know'...!!
I am intrigued by this type of writing from you and would love to see more! Voted UP & AB.
Hugs, Maria