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Blue had accumulated a lot of enemies during her time working at Channel 31. She was an investigative reporter, her first real job after graduation from the Communications and Media Studies program at the college. She had a tough time trying to prove herself. She ended up getting the worst assignments. Like uncovering racketeering schemes from organized crimes and worse, intervening in marriages by exposing cheating politicians. One in particular, a powerful ex-Senator Ryan Aitkin who was up for some lifetime achievement award, was the absolute crud assignment. She knew he was a cheat. The man was as slimy as they came. Blue shuddered at the thought. But now, word got out he was out to get her for trying to ruin his reputation. As if SHE ruined it. Yeah, right.
She reluctantly took the story about Aitkin having an affair with a female subordinate in his office and an intern, on another occasion. His poor wife. Still, meddling in private affairs just wasn’t what gave Blue oomph for life. She wanted out of it. Being fired was probably a blessing in disguise. Now she could start her own business. A small production company called Blue Monroe Productions. It was a simple title but it worked. Her name happened to be unique so she didn’t mind using it.
“Shouldn’t you be heading to class now?”
“It’s summer school.”
“But you have an exam today, right?”
“I know. I studied hard last night and during the past few weeks thanks to your whip-cracking.”
Blue grinned. “You’re a smart girl, Courtney. I know I push you hard but education opens the doors to a lot of wonderful things in life. Education and knowledge are the gateway to achievement.” The tears almost welled up in her eyes.
Their parents fought so hard to give them good educations. Extremely hard. They’d sacrificed everything. And now look where they were.
“And pray for me that I do get this assignment with Zack Romero and his winery. Your fall tuition is due soon, isn’t it? August?”
“Yeah. I know. Look, Blue. You’ve done so much for me already. I can always get a job and work for a year before heading to college, you know?”
“No. Absolutely not!” Blue was adamant. She flung her jacket over her arm and grabbed her bag and keys from the countertop. “You are going to college this year not next year, even if it kills me. I’ll come up with the fees. Don’t you worry. Okay?” Blue reassured, her voice almost on the verge of cracking. Courtney was a brave one. So brave but she knew it wasn’t easy for them. They had to get by on what they had.
“But you’ve got the rent to pay and the production expenses with your equipment and stuff.”
“Don’t worry about me, Court. I’ll be fine. Besides, my office is in my kitchen. I can use the studio at the college to do final production. I’ve still got my contacts there. Now go. Go and ace that mid-term exam!”
Courtney smiled and gave her sister a firm hug. “And go get that hottie,” she teased her older sister and winked.
“Not funny, Courtney. Not funny at all. Besides, I’ve got to be going. I’m going to see Mom and Dad first then I’m going to the appointment. I’ve still got an hour and a half.”
“You’re going to visit Mom and Dad, today?”
“Yes, today. It’s Mom’s…birthday.”
“I know.” Courtney said quietly before grabbing her jacket and her backpack. She wore blue jeans and a white plain t-shirt with her sandals.
“I’ll give you a ride to school. Come on, let’s go.”
* * *
Twenty minutes after Blue dropped Courtney at the high school parking lot to go into her summer school class, she drove off to a local florist. When she walked through the door, the door chime sounded. “Hey, my favorite customer,” the owner cheerfully greeted her.
“Mr. Lockwin, you say that about all your customers,” she playfully dismissed the man.
“Maybe, but I only mean it for some! Here to pick out a nice bunch for your mom, right.”
“How did you know?”
“I always remember her birthday. She’s a nice lady, she is.”
Blue’s heart beat raced. A nervous beat entered her body. “Yes. Very nice.”
