First things first-I own nothing but my original character, Abigail Essler.
That said, this is my first crack at creative writing, as I usually write technical/political bodies of work. Any suggestions, comments, constructive criticism, advice, etc. would be more than welcome.
Thanks! :)
Secretarial Woes
April, 2009
Abigail was diligently trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. "I understand your frustrations sir, however the Congressman is unable to submit your tax return to the IRS on your behalf." A few choice profanitys, and many insults later, Abigail politely ended the phone call. Answering telephones in a newly elected Congressional office was definitely not the civil service job she dreamt of, and she was rapidly discovering her penchant for 'losing calls.'
Not to say Abigail wasn't a hard-working young lady, quite the opposite actually. She knew that she had an unhealthy desire for perfection, in both her personal and professional lives. However for some reason, fielding vitriolic phone calls was not something Abigail felt she could endure for much longer. How can someone be so horrible to a complete stranger? It's not my fault he didn't file his taxes correctly!
All shop talk aside, Abigail was quite pleased when, at 4:15, 'inclement weather' shut down the entire federal government, and she found herself heading home when she would normally be chained to a desk.
With two extra hours gifted to her evening, Abigail endeavored to find the most relaxing activity available to her. Glancing around her room, her eyes fell on her ever growing stack of library books. Deciding that her day in front of the computer screen was sufficient literary exposure, she opted to seek tranquility in the form of a bubble bath.
After undressing and crossing the creaking floor of her rented bedroom, she grabbed her fluffiest towel, and after wrapping it tight about her chest, tip toed to the bathroom down the hall. Shortly thereafter, hot steam and lavender filled the small room as Abigail sunk into the cloud of bubbles. I'm too young to be this exhausted. And it was true, at twenty-three, she was burned-out, overly stressed and very ready for retirement. That's what I get for taking a job as a politician's punching bag.
Straight out of college, Abigail was fortunate to be offered a position in a field that was germane to her Political Science degree, however she was surprised by the amount of angry and bitter constituents who felt it was their responsiblity to yell and scream at her for the Congressman's decisions. Abby, enough. This is your free time, enjoy yourself.
Deciding that she would no longer dwell on the negative and downright grumpy callers, Abigail sought to clear her mind. Where is the most tranquil and relaxing place I could imagine? Where would I go, if I could go anywhere in the world? Almost immediately, she pictured camping and sitting around a crackling fire pit with her family. Good Lord, I miss them. Why am I out here all by myself? What I wouldn't give to be somewhere else, anywhere else. Please Lord, I know this is not where I am meant to be, just take me away from these resentful and antagonistic constituents! Anywhere would be better than here!
Almost immediately after that thought crossed her mind, Abigail began to notice the waters of her bathtub were rippling. Confused, and quite apprehensive, she froze expecting the bathwater to still, yet it began a cyclonic swirl around her body. Quickly, Abigail reached for the sides of the tub to stand up, yet as she rose, the walls of the shower seemed to grow further away as she felt the floor of the bathtub disappear under her feet.