Part 1
Write dialogue
D: How have you been this is your first time back in the office since the babies been born right?
M: Yes, I'm glad to be back but I already miss her.
D: I know how you feel when my wife went back to work she called the babysitter 52 times and eventually had to come home for her lunch break to check on the nanny.
M: That's where I'm at right now I couldn't be any more worried.
D: I think you have separation anxiety something that helped my wife was having a wireless video camera set up in her office so that way she could watch the baby during nap time. So when the nanny put him to sleep she could watch him from her office. Then again the rest of the time while he was with the nanny she couldn't watch him but it was something and it really helped.
M: Oh really where did she get that I will definitely be purchasing it. My husband might think I'm being dramatic but she's our first and I just want her to be okay.
D: Don't worry about it I'll send you the link right now. Actually, we haven't used ours since our youngest turned 3 would you like to take ours?
M: That would be fantastic, watching over her would bring me such peace. After working at home for the last two weeks I've gotten used to checking up on her while she sleeps every 5 minutes.
D: I can bring it in during lunch and you can set it up tomorrow how does that sound?
M: Perfect, thank you so much being a first-time mother is scary.
D: I know exactly how you feel don't worry about it you'll be a great mother if there's anything else I can do for you don't hesitate to ask.
M: Wanna give me a raise?
Part 2
Imagine where this conversation is taking place.
Mary is finally coming back to the office after two months after giving birth. While she's been working from home she knows it's time to go back to her office downtown. The drive down is only 20 minutes but the thought of being away from her newborn makes it seem farther. Arriving and parking in the employees-only lot she exits and makes her way through to the automatic doors. Thankfully the doors aren't too far from the lot which makes it easier in the winter when the snow piles up. As she enters she scans her badge at the front desk and says a quick greeting to the officer in the front. The smell of fresh baked goods and coffee fill the building from the little cafe inside the building. She'll come down during lunch and make small talk then with the officer for now a quick wave and smile will do. As she heads into the busy elevator she goes up midway to level 5 of the 10 story building. Upon entering She scans her badge again at the front desk of level 5 and walks down a short hallway to her department and then eventually her cubicle. Going to the right where the floor to ceiling windows lie she sets her stuff down at the backmost corner closest to the window. In the summer being next to the window is a blessing as she gets some direct sunlight which shines up her office but the winter always makes it super chilly. As she sits down her cubicle buddy Daniel scoots his chair back upon hearing her arrival and greats her from her break.
Part 3
- Describe your character physically, from head to toe.
- What relationships are important to your character? Why?
- What does your character do? Profession? Pleasure?
- What is your character most afraid of?
- What does your character want?
Mary has a slender build which made her pregnancy belly bulge out and made her look like she was carrying twins. After she gave birth, she started to lose some of her dirty blonde hair but not in clumps. Her doctor said it was nothing to worry about and as long as she took proper vitamins it would stop shortly. Her doctor also said she was a healthy weight for post-partum, she had gained 30 pounds from her pregnancy which was to be expected but nothing of her actual appearance really changed. She still had a slender built but now her hands no longer were cold all the time. Her naturally pale face had a red blush to it ever since she went into labor and she doesn't think it'll go away any time soon; along with her swollen feet. Her feet had gotten very swollen and because of this she only liked to wear slippers and loose clothes. She found sweats the most comfortable because during and after pregnancy those are the only things that made her feel calm. Going to work was now completely different for her. She only wore flats from now on and she found dress skirts less restricting. When she could get away with it she likes to wear comfortable sweaters otherwise a nice blouse would do but she didn't like button-ups. She also liked to have her hair up as she has started to experience heat flashes and it is easier to fan herself down when her hair is already up. But only in a loose bun secured with a clip to prevent any more hair from falling out from ponytails although silk scrunchies were fine.
Her relationship with her husband is very important as he complimented her well. While she was a very worrisome person he was more on the calm side. He helped her ease up from her strictness and allowed her moments to relax. Having a baby now more than ever it was important for her to be calm and collected and he helped her however he could. He was her support and she always made sure to look after him as well. She shows her love by being attentive which is where her strict side comes in making sure he has eaten and is taken care of. He supports her emotionally and makes sure she doesn't wear herself out from taking care of everyone all the time. Her relationship with her cubicle buddy is also very important. He is a married father of 3 and is working to make sure all of his kids can get through college. He has jumped around from a couple companies but this helps him give her advice about competition within the industry. He is wise in his field with years of experience and is more than willing to help and share with anyone that will listen. She gladly accepts his help as this is only her second job jumping around. She sees him as more of a work-father and he gladly acts like one helping everyone from fixing the printer to leading meetings if asked. Having 3 children he is more than happy to calm Mary down on her worries as his wife has been through the same thing. He was also there at their wedding and adores the couple and hopes they stay close.
Mary is an investment fund manager and helps her company buy and sell bonds and shares. Dave does along the same lines of this as a more experienced version. This is why they are cubicle buddies and work together. They work 9-5 jobs and sometimes on weekends but this also allows them to work at home as well if needed. Being as this is her second job in this field her starting pay isn't the highest but it's nice for a 9-5 office job. She spends most of her money on saving up for a house as of right now she lives in a single bedroom apartment with her husband and newborn. They want to move out soon so their child can play in a green back yard just as she did. Being the critical person she is, she has calculated her saving and has ensured that they will be able to move out by the end of the year. Because of this, she is only spending money where it is needed especially since receiving the hospital bills back.
Mary is most afraid of being away from her daughter. Being only two months old and around her for every second since she's been born she can't stand the thought of being away from her. She was lucky to get two months off paid leave yet she still decided to do work for fear it would pile up when she returned. Yet she did not want to return and wanted to stay around her daughter and make sure she was okay at all times. It took a lot of courage for her to leave her house and she double checked everything inside her house to make sure her daughter would be safe. This means the baby gates were closed and couldn't be open even though her baby isn't crawling yet. She checked that her straighter was off and so were the iron and stove. They had already baby-proofed the interior of their house and put padding on all corners and made sure the nanny had their numbers and work cells. Even so, taking all these needed measures she was still worried about her daughter thus when asked about the nap camera she was more than happy to accept.
All Mary wants is to stay at home and be with her daughter. She wants to continue to work not because she didn't like her office or the people inside but because she wanted to spend every moment she could with her baby so she wouldn't miss a thing. Although she still could technically work from home she chooses not to, to prove to her boss' that she was more than capable of doing her job even after giving birth.
Part 4
Making a scene
Scene 1
I quickly scramble out of the bathroom as I hear the doorbell ring.
"I'll get it, I think she's early Chris," I say twisting my hair into a quick bun and securing it with a clip as I walk towards the door. I take a quick look at appearance and check that I look alright. After the quick glance I open the door as our babysitter walks in.
"Hi, Doris how are you," I say as I greet her inside. She takes off her shoes and leaves them by the door which reminds me that I need to grab my flats for my first day back at work.
"Oh hello Mary, I am doing well you look to be in a rush. Well don't worry I'll take your darling girl so you can finish getting ready," she says as she follows me into my room where Chris is with the baby. She is already familiar with our home and our daughter she was one of the people that visited while I was in the hospital. She's actually an old family friend and I couldn't think of anyone better to watch my baby, well except myself.
"She's just in here with Chris. I've already fed her and changed her so she should be fine but I showed you last time where we keep her bottles and her bottle warmer I already have the warmer set to the perfect temperature so all you have to do is turn it one but please check the bottle before she drinks it so it's not too hot. Nothing has happened yet but we want to make sure-"
"Mary darling I think Doris knows what she's doing she babysat both of us for heavens sake," Chris interrupts me. He is right though, Doris was both of our babysitters at one time.
"Yes honey I know I am just nervous this is the first time we are leaving her I just want to make sure she'll be okay." Chris comes over to me and gives me a reassuring hug and guides me out of the room so Doris can take the baby.
"I know but it'll be alright, everything is all set up and we checked the night before. All there's left to do is leave so Doris can actually do her job." And with that I finish getting ready and check my curling iron twice to make sure it's off and then go through the rest of my check list to make sure everything is put away or turned off.
"Ok Doris both me and Chris are just 20 minutes away but he might get home faster if there is anything wrong and I mean anything please call both of us because if Chris calls me if something is wrong I'll just end up coming anyways so with that being said even if you think she's a little congested you can call and I can come-"
"Darling she's in good hands I will take care of her the same way I cared for you and she's a strong one this one she won't even notice your gone." She shooed me out the door and I finally stepped away and went to work.
Scene 2
Write a scene that occurs during the conversation
I exit my car finally arriving at my office building right on time. It really is a blessing that it is only 20 minutes away considering I was rushing this morning all because I didn't want to leave my little baby for the first time. The employees lot is right next to the main doors which is very convenient for staff, especially during the winter. As I enter I head straight for the front desk as a gush of wind hits me upon entry that hints at freshly baked pastries and brewed dark roast. I quickly scan my card and give a quick smile and wave to the office up front. She's a friendly lady and I always make sure I take time during my lunch break to have a quick chat with her as I wait for lunch at the cafe down the hall. Making my way into the packed elevator I ride up to the 5th floor out of 10 and head to the front desk of this level. I scan my card once again and head left down a short distance passing many people from my department much whom I recognize but don't know. Heading towards my department area I walk straight to my cubicle which is along the long floor to ceiling windows which allow for plenty of sunlight directly towards me. Setting my stuff down upon arriving Daniel's chair pushes back until he spots me past his cubicle wall.
"How have you been Mary, this is your first time back in the office since the baby's been born right?" Daniel asks. He always takes his time to greet me each moring and after finally being back after two months I have missed his morning greetings.
"Yes I'm glad to be back Daniel thank you but I already miss her, This is our first time leaving her both Chris and I," I look around my cubicle and see that it is exactly how I left it in perfect condition but I do spot some folders stacked in my basket.
" I know how you feel when my wife went back to work she called the babysitter 52 times and eventually had to come home for her lunch break to check on the nanny. But you don't have to worry it goes away over time," Daniel says reassuringly. I take some things out of my bag as we talk back and forth just some stuff I had taken with me while I was working at home.
"That's where I'm at right now I couldn't be any more worried." Which is in fact the truth I am so nervous about leaving her alone for the first time I don't know what will happen and that scares me I feel like I have no way to make sure she's ok. Taking a quick peek at the folders I see there isn't much mainly things that would need a physical copy of my signature so nothing too overwhelming but enough to keep my mind off things, mainly the worries I have about my daughter.
I think you have separation anxiety something that helped my wife was having a wireless video camera set up in her office so that way she could watch the baby during nap time. So when the nanny put him to sleep she could watch him from her office. Then again the rest of the time while he was with the nanny she couldn't watch him but it was something and it really helped." Daniel was always the best at giving advice especially to whoever will listen he always tries to lend a helping hand.
"Oh really where did she get that I will definitely be purchasing it. My husband might think I'm being dramatic but she's our first and I just want her to be okay," I say expressing my worries. I see Daniel as a work-dad where I can go for reassurance and help.
"Don't worry about it I'll send you the link right now. Actually, we haven't used ours since our youngest turned 3 would you like to take ours?" he asks. He pulls out his phone and I assume is checking with his wife if they still have it and could give it to us.
"That would be fantastic, watching over her would bring me such peace. After working at home for the last two weeks I've gotten used to checking up on her while she sleeps every 5 minutes," I say truthfully. I look around my desk and find the perfect spot to prop up a monitor right next to my laptop so it's in perfect view.
"I can bring it in during lunch and you can set it up tomorrow how does that sound?" Daniel questions. Of course he's willing to grab it during his lunch break he's extremely thoughtful like that.
"Perfect, thank you so much being a first-time mother is scary." I've been at this job quite a while so I've known Daniel for some time now. He was there for my wedding and met my husband Chris. We have the occasional dinner together when we get the chance and I know I can always reply on him inside and outside the office. For my entire pregnancy he acted like Chris while I was at work making sure I stay calm and collected and even now after he's still there for me.
" I know exactly how you feel don't worry about it you'll be a great mother if there's anything else I can do for you don't hesitate to ask," Daniel says as he heads back to his cubicle. Him being my superior and a friend has it's advantages.
" Wanna give me a raise?" Daniel lets out the loudest snort and in turn makes me burst out laught which makes him laugh. Now we have the entire office staring at us snorting and laughing.
Scene 3
- Your character’s problem is solved.
- Your character decides that this problem is going to with them for awhile and so they must learn to deal with it.
As we carry on through our work day I constantly check my phone and messages and make sure that I don't accidentally miss from Doris. Daniel checks up on me and asks how I'm dealing and when I tell him I'm anxious he does his best to distract me and it indeed helps. Lunch time rolls around and everyone in the office makes their way down to the main lobby. Some leave to go pick up a lunch elsewhere and some get in line for the cafe inside the building. It's a small cafe with some options of breakfast and lunch and the occasional pastry to nibble on throughout the day. I wait in line as I order and decide to call home and make sure everything is okay.
"Hey Doris I just wanted to call and check and make sure my baby girl is doing alright."
"Oh darling she has been lovely so far. She fell asleep shortly after you left and woke up a bit hunger. I made sure to check her diaper so she wouldn't be in a spoiled one for too long but she's been absolutely calm so far not a fuss out of her," Doris says answering all my questions before I can ask.
"That's good to know, it's my lunch time right now and I want to stop in and check on her but I'm afraid it's gonna take a little while for my lunch to be ready so I don't think I'll have the time. Do you think she'll be alright if I meet her by the end of the day? Maybe I can ask to get off a bit early since it's my first day back." I make my way to the front and quickly order then step off to the side.
"Trust me she'll be fine till then but I can't say the same for you. If your able to take off early just let me know and we'll be expecting you and yes I will update you if anything happens till then," Doris confirms.
"Alright I'll be sure to send you a text my my girl I love and miss her and I'll be home soon," I sigh and say my goodbyes. Right as I end the call my lunch is ready and I decide I want to take it up to my office and eat so I can stare at a picture of my baby that I brought from home. But before going I catch officer susan standing in front of the elevators and decide to have a quick chat since I haven't seen her either for two months.
"Hi Susan how've you been?" I ask as I approach her.
"Oh my it's miss Mary no longer pregnant. How have you been honey? how the little bean?" She asks me giving me a little hug.
"She's wonderful today's the first day back and I miss her so much," I tell.
"I can only imagine sweetie she'll be alright coming home at the end of a long day to see your sweet child will be all worth it when you get to hold her again so relax there," she responds. Just then I see Daniel walking in from the front and with some monitors in hand. He catches me and walks over and greets the both of us.
"Hello Susan how've you been?" Daniel asks politely.
"I'm just catching up with my favorite girl where did you head off to there Daniel?" Susan asks questioning the monitors in hand.
"Actually I went to get our Mary here some monitors for her office so she can watch her little one sleep to give her some peace of mind as she adjusts to being away." He hands me the monitors and I take them eagerly.
"Oh thank you Daniel I can't tell you how much it means to me that you are able to help me out," I say sincerely.
"Don't worry about it Mary, I'm going to go grab my lunch and I'll meet you back up stairs alight?" Daniel checks.
"Sounds good to me I'll go set these up." I head inside the elevator alone and in content as I feel like I'm holding my baby girl.
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