Free What You Wish For by Fern Michaels Page A

bare when she moved in, were filled with computer books, Xerox paper, printer cartridges, a separate fax machine, her textbooks for the night classes she attended along with all the small business papers and manuals she’d applied for with the Small Business Administration, and last but certainly not least, dog treats and chew bones to keep Lucie busy while she was on the computer. There wasn’t an inch of available space left.
    It was her home, and she loved it, cluttered or not. It now looked like someone with an identity lived there; a real person, as she thought of herself these days. She’d spent the past weekend going to the flea market on Route 1 to buy knickknacks and green plants that had been bedraggled but were now showing signs of life with plant food and daily watering. Before long they would be lush and full. At least she hoped they would.
    She’d spent twenty-nine dollars at the flea market, twenty-nine dollars she probably shouldn’t have spent. She’d weighed the decision up one side and down the other, finally opting to spend the money simply because it was her choice and it would brighten her life. Her on-line counselor told her everything in her life was about choices. She was right, too. Once you make a choice, you take responsibility for that choice and you live with it. Step One. That night she was working on Step Two of her one hour of on-line counseling.
    Helen turned on the computer and handed Lucie her first treat of the evening. She logged onto Internetx Express, typed in her password under the name of [email protected] with her on-line name of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or TTLS. She then e-mailed [email protected]. She waited for the Instant Message to appear in the upper-left-hand corner.
    Helen typed slowly. She passed a few minutes with the daily pleasantries before Boots asked her first question.
    â€œAre you still feeling overwhelmed?”
    â€œA little, but I think I have a handle on it. I went shopping over the weekend. I spent $29 on plants and stuff to brighten up the apartment. I feel a little guilty, but I can economize somewhere else. I needed to do that.”
    â€œUnderstood. How is the job going? Do you like it any better?”
    â€œNo, not really. I don’t understand how people can charge so much for sleazy apparel. The name of the store, in my opinion, is a joke. There is nothing fine about the merchandise they sell. The clientele leaves a little to be desired. I think the owner is satisfied with my work.”
    â€œThis is good, TTLS. You voiced an opinion, and you made a decision. I imagine it felt rather good. Once you get your own business going, you can leave the shop. Any progress on your fledgling business?”
    â€œIt really did feel wonderful, Boots. As to the business, I’m told a lot of it is word of mouth. I ordered cards, had some of my sketches put into a brochure. Once I’m more comfortable with the computer, I can make my own. I don’t know what it is about computers. I hated them even in school. I just wasn’t good at it. Then when I . . . Never mind, it isn’t important. I study the computer books every morning before I go to work. It’s a slow process, but I’m getting more knowledgeable by the day.”
    â€œIt all takes time. You have your business classes, your job, and your on-line counseling. It’s a full plate for anyone. Rome wasn’t built in a day. You have to learn to do one thing at a time and do that one thing well. It will fall into place. Cottage industries flourish in this country. How is TTLS2 doing?” Boots asked.
    â€œShe’s sitting right here next to me. She pretty much sleeps during the day while I’m gone. It’s working out. She misses me, but then I miss her, too. I come home for lunch and walk her.”
    â€œThat’s good. Now, tell me, how are you sleeping? Are you still having your fearful dreams? Do you still look over your shoulder