Darrin followed Barbara's slow gait, not only allowing her the time she would need to cross the pit, but also watching her carefully. It was no secret to anyone who knew him well that he preferred large women, but he had thankfully been able to keep the somewhat shameful secret from the office. Barbara's condition was making it hard on him.
Several times since she had come to work for him, he had very narrowly avoided the hastle and embarrassment of harassment charges by holing himself up in his little corner office. There was definitely something about this woman that swung his interest. He wouldn't be surprised if his interest in her went deeper than appearance.
Although he had never entertained the idea of harboring some attraction to a more submissive type, her limitation was certainly playing a part in his increased interest. He dismissed it as the common masculine need to be stronger than the other sex, to be of service like a caped cartoon hero. He was certain that he definitely did not like to see her in pain.
Barbara waited for him to open the door of his office and immediately settled herself in a chair. She didn't fall into it, as do some obese people, rather she carefully lowered herself in a manner quite resembling an old lady. If he hadn't been so concerned with the matter at present, he might have laughed.
"Ok..." She sighed, catching her breath. "In the next couple days, I will have to present myself to County Hospital..."
Darrin perched on the edge of his desk and leaned forwards, "Yes?"
Barbara cleared her throat. She hadn't yet spoken the words aloud, not even to her closest friend. "...to have both legs amputated above the knee."
Darrin was dumbfounded. He had never considered such a possibility. It seemed unwarranted, drastic. In spite of himself he could not find words. He stood and paced the room, glancing at what he now considered a brave little woman as he went. He took a breath. "Egads, Barbara!"
For the first time since she'd heard the knews, Barbara broke down. She began to cry breathlessly, not able to stop herself. She slumped back in teh chair as the reality of her situation settled. She was not prepared.
Darrin rushed to her side, trying to calm her. "I... never would have thought that things had gotten so serious. I'm very sorry to hear it."
"So am I." She said, as her quiet sobs pressed out of her. "I go the day after tomorrow. The trouble is, I haven't made the slightest preparation for this. They sent a nurse to speak with me at home and she left a list of things I should do to make my house easier to use-- more accessible to me after..." Her voice trailed off again as she could not bring herself to articulate the few words that meant she would forever after be disabled.
"Have you informed your family?"
"I haven't spoken to my father in years. My brother is serving in Afghanistan. He doesn't need to hear about this until he is back on US soil." She suddenly realized what she was doing, dried her tears and tried to compose herself. "Darrin, you're a good boss, and yes I know I can consider you a friend, but don't worry about this, ok?" As she completed the sentence the tears began again.
Darrin just watched her, his heart truly going out to her. She was a sweet girl, if she would never be more than that. He knew he could help her. He rubbed her back, feeling his hand sink a little on her softly padded flesh. "Listen, where is this list?"
"It's at home," she whimpered. "I left it exactly where the nurse put it, not having had the courage to pick it up."
Darrin went around his desk and scribbled something in his notepad. "Listen, Barbara, you take the next two days off. Kendall can finish up whatever you've been working on."
"Oh, thank you, but..."
"No buts! A cold office setting isn't the place for you now. Just go home and get some rest. I'll be over later tonight to help you get a few things in order, ok?" He came back around his desk, handing her the folded yellow scrap.
She took it. "Darrin, I--"
"Shh" he said, looking her in the eye. "I insist."
To Be Continued
Index
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