‘I hope Jenny can help me out of this mess.’ Natasha sighs in hopelessness sitting at a local coffee shop. Jenny (or Jennifer to her enemies) went to the same high school as Natasha, both were on the fast track to promising careers when Natasha fell in love with Julian. Having kept contact over the years a strong friendship developed as Jenny could share her troubles to someone not in her career circle and Natasha could have some adult conversation outside of “what’s for dinner” norm. The shop is their regular meeting place for their monthly coffee date. Both picked the place because of the French Cafe theme and the privacy between tables. The tables are all set up in the garden in the back of a guesthouse giving Jenny the privacy she craves outside of the shark infested corporate waters.‘Hi `Tasha!’ Jenny says coming through the the garden in her black business suit. Feeling hope pooling in her chest Tasha stands and gives her friend an extra tight hug. ‘What’s wrong Tasha? You look like a train ran you over?’ Jenny says guiding her friend to their usual table under the giant fern. Tearing up at the compassion in Jenny’s voice Tasha blurts out, ‘Julian cheated on me and we are now separated.’ Jenny gasps, her hands reflexively clenching the table cloth.‘That rotten bastard! How can I help? Let’s go egg his -‘Smiling at the immediate bloodthirsty expression of support, Tasha is comforted knowing that she is not alone, the comfort from her friend breaking down the wall of desolation in her mind.‘No Jenny. I don’t need to give him bullets to fight me for the kids.’ Tasha says quietly. Sitting up straight Jenny almost vibrates on her chair, her eyes narrowing into slivers of cold determination.‘Tasha, Julian will get your kids over my cold, lifeless body. I am due to do a Pro-bono case so I will handle the divorce for you. That is, if you are going that route?’

Without thinking about it Natasha just nods her head as she replies, ‘I have to Jenny. He cheated on me and blames me for his behaviour. If he owned up to it I would have been ok to try and pick up the broken pieces. But with him blaming me… I just don’t see any other way.’ Pushing against the table Natasha lets her arms fall to her sides. Matching Jenny’s gaze with resolution, her mind made up.Finding no hesitation or second thoughts in Natasha’s gaze, Jenny takes out a notepad from her handbag. Clicking her pen a couple of times Jenny let’s her pen scritch out a couple of sentences. Leaning forward Natasha can only make out that she is writing down a list of sorts. Sipping her water she feels she is doing the right thing. Julian had his chance. He chose that whore! Above his wife. Natasha grudgingly even concedes that not wanting to be with her is his right in choice, just not his method. But what gets under her skin, breaks her heart and kindles the fire of hate is his careless disregard for his children. The bastard didn’t even pitch up to say goodbye to them before their month long vacation! Taking a deep breath Natasha composes herself. She will not let his actions dictate her emotions. She needs to step up. Later today she needs to start playing Waratar as per the “suggestion” from the counselor.Startled by the sharp sound of Jenny tearing out the page from her notepad Natasha coughs to clear the water from her lungs. ‘Sorry Tasha, I always forget these binder type notepads make a harsh sound when you tear out notes.’ Jenny smiles ruefully. ‘In any case, here is a to-do list for you. I need all the docs at the bottom for my legal files. The top 2 items are non-negotiable and you need to get it done today, ok?’ Jenny says as she tries to impress the urgency and seriousness of the items by look alone for Natasha. Looking at the bottom items first Natasha sees just the normal stuff, copy of identity document, marriage license etc. What is surprising is the first two items that seem so very important to Jenny. ‘You want me to sign a Power of Attorney giving this accountant full rights and access to get all my financial matters, accounts etc? I don’t even have anything except the house my Dad left me on my name. And Julian only took out a small loan against the property to settle some old student loans a couple of years back.’ Putting the paper down for a second she almost accuses Jenny of trying to get her financial information for nefarious purposes. Luckily the reality sinks in. Jenny is her friend, and now her attorney as well. She has known her for a long time. She is trustworthy. Repeating the mantra, “She is trustworthy” in her mind a couple more times she realises Jenny is talking to her again. ‘… he will only view the information and gives us a full financial picture of yourself and also as much as he can of Julian, just so we know what we are dealing with, ok’ Nodding her head after repeating her mantra again. ‘And you want me to see your Estate Specialist for my will and setting up a trust? Why do I need that?’Taking a deep breath Jenny explains, ‘We need him to make sure that whatever happens after the divorce, Julian does not profit from anything of yours ever again. The trust will indicate how all funds allocated to your kids from your personal estate will be spent etc. Also to make sure your will does not include Julian in any way or form.’ Nodding along Natasha realises these are important items. ‘Ok Jenny, I’ll call them this afternoon. And thank you.’

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.