It had been a busy and enjoyable period at the Double K Ranch. Christmas was over and as the New Year was ushered in, there was a perceptible shift in Kara's mood and purpose. Surely, she thought, life could always be like this. Why should she be buffeted and shifted by Mr. Kara's movements and whereabouts? Why shouldn't she be anchored by her belief in her own value and self worth? She gazed up into the clear blue sky above the Double K and thought "God has my back and all is well".
The Double K had been filled with music and laughter in Mr.Kara's absence. On his return would the ranch fall back into a morose silence with muttered hellos and goodbyes? Would Kara be under self imposed exile living her days out in one section of the ranch? These thoughts passed through her mind fleetingly only to be dismissed almost as quickly.
No. The answer was no. She was on her way and there was no turning back. Even a quick glance in the mirror confirmed the difference. New haircut. Check. New clothes. Check. New shoes. Check Check. She was looking better than she ever had, there was no doubt about that. But it was more than that for these were superficial changes. She was even better on the inside.
Yes, the return of Mr. Kara was forthcoming. But the return of the true Kara had already come forth.
When Mr. Kara entered the ranch house, Kara was fast asleep in her bed snuggled under layers of warm, comfy bedding. In his endearing little WAS way, Mr. Kara had omitted to mention the exact time when he would be home. Clever man, he knew that mystery kept relationships alive and he was only doing his part to keep the fire burning. As Mr. Kara walked across the hardwood floors, Kara was suddenly awakened by the sound of his footsteps. Mr. Kara poked his head around the door of her bedroom and apologized for waking her. She waved a hand in reply and burrowed back down under the covers.
The next morning Kara descended the stairs snazzily attired in a new outfit, new hairdo brushed just so, makeup skilfully applied and sunglasses perched on her head. "Why, hello there!" she cheerfully greeted Mr. Kara. "How ya doin"?" Mr. Kara seemed slightly perplexed at her good mood. After all he had been gone for a while with sporadic contact. Old Kara would have been uptight and angry, But this was new Kara. After a brief, friendly conversation, Kara left for work. Of course she wished Mr. Kara a great day.
And so the tone was set. In the folowing days the Karas kept up a friendly banter, at times even joking about matters that amused them. Kara was always polite, always friendly. After all, this was 2010 and she was living her life and loving it. 2009 had all been about Mr. Kara. She wished him no ill. In fact, she wished him only the best. And she had told him so at the end of 2009. There was no need to frown or pout. In fact, they only left those nasty little lines and wrinkles which could be so hard to get rid of.
As Kara went along her way, she seemed to be complimented by men daily. They seemed to go out of their way to speak to her, to open the door or do her little favors. It really was the most amazing thing. Could it be her new perfume? Hmmm, well either all these other men were dead wrong or Mr. Kara really was missing out on something great. Sure, she had her faults. Who didn't? But she was still pretty special. She said that without arrogance or conceit. After all, aren't we all special people?
And so ends our brief visit to the Double K ranch. Oh yeah, Kara was no longer in self-imposed exile in one corner of the ranch. She was all over that sucker...
Good chapter! I especially like the part where other men are going out of their way to say/do nice things to/for Kara. Of course they would because she's fabulous and she knows it! I had that experience too and it's so much fun.
There is much power in knowing your own worth.
Keep up the good work!
If you love somebody, set them free. http://tinyurl.com/2empx2g
Sounds fun to me!
