Breakthrough V

The phone rang as Zip entered her apartment. She glanced at the clock on the wall then checked the phone line. It wasn’t 5 PM yet. She let her electronic voice message pick up and tell the caller the service hours. She had two other workers in her service and calls came to her when their lines were busy or during off hours.

She was debating whether to work this evening. It was Monday and work at WTSC had really been hectic today with all the coordination and support for customers with worm problems. She slumped down on the chaise to relax. Just a few moments would be all she needed.

Zip roused as she heard the phone ring and stretched lethargically as she tossed about on the chaise. She opened her eyes with a start and came up to a sitting position. It was dark outside, the clock showed eight o’clock. She picked up.

“Zip, what took you so long? Everything okay?” Yolanda knew her well. They had been friends since junior high school and when she was sixteen, they became best friends after her mother died.

“Yes, I’m fine. I was asleep, no problem. Thanks for waking me up.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? That must have been some sleep. This is the third time I’ve tried to call you.”

“Sorry ‘bout that. Today was really demanding. You’ve probably heard in the news about the internet worm that has pretty much brought business services with internet access to a screeching halt.”

“Sí, it’s the top news story of the day. It’s hard to believe that someone would do such a thing.”

“I know, but there’s always that evil genius mentality to contend with and this time it has trumped.”

“So what’s Jack doing about this disaster?” Yolanda snickered.

“Make fun, why don’t you. You know damn full well what he’s doing—ridding herd on me to get the work done by an impossible deadline.”

“Sorry, I know. I just had to ask.” They both laughed.

“Seriously, remember I told you about that proposal for disaster recovery that Jack refused to accept?”

“Sí, you spent a lot of your own time writing up that plan.”

“I think he regrets that he didn’t approve my proposal but he’s such a bigot he’d never admit it.”

“I don’t know why you still work for that man. He’s such a chauvinist. You have your own business, you should work full time for yourself.”

“Yeah, it sounds like the thing to do but I don’t think I’m ready. What if business slows down? I don’t want to risk loosing a place to live. I’ve been there remember? That was my worst nightmare and I don’t want a replay.” She had refused to stay in foster care after her mother died and was homeless for two years. Yolanda found out but kept her secret and helped her through some very hard times.

“Zip, I know you don’t see it but hopefully one day soon you will realize your accomplishments. You’re strong and to only be twenty-something you’re a role model for any aspiring entrepreneur. I believe you can do it. You need to think about it.”

“Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll give it some thought. Hey, I’ve got to get on the hook and do some listening. Talk to you later.” She always felt a gleam of hope after talking to Yolanda. She marveled at the positive energy that seemed to flow non-stop from her. It was a gift that Yolanda shared with everyone she came in contact with. Perhaps that was why she became a Social Worker.

To be continued ...
© 2007 by Miss Mary