Dependency – (dih-pen-duhn-see)
The reliance on something or someone else for protection or survival
Brandie’s hands nervously clutched the steering wheel at the 10-and-2 position. Her eyes darted back and forth from the rear view mirror to the side mirror, to the road, then back in habitual fashion. Anytime she saw headlights, either behind or in front of her, she would check her dashboard to make certain she was following the speed limit. She cursed herself for succumbing to peer pressure. Normally, Brandie would never be in this position, wondering if she was over the legal limit. But tonight had been a special night for her. For the first time since she began working at Pattywack’s some of her co-workers had invited her out for post-shift drinks.
She had been working in the foodservice industry since she was sixteen. Her first job was at a small mom and pop diner a few blocks from her parent’s house in Spitshire Grove. The diner was a landmark for the town, having passed from owner to owner since the 1920’s. She began her career, as many teenagers do, as a hostess. Her duties included greeting customers as they came in the door, seating them at their tables, providing them with menus and water, busing after the meals were finished, and operating the cash register.
When one of the cooks left to begin school at Princemoore University in nearby White River City, Brandie jumped at the opportunity to get her hands dirty in the kitchen. She had always enjoyed cooking at home and relished the chance at putting those skills to the test. During the holidays she had helped her grandmother prepare Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, starting off as her assistant, but over time being given more and more responsibilities. Neither of her parents were much for cooking, preferring to either heat up TV dinners or go out to eat in the city. So the time she spent with her grandmother gave the two a special bond that still held to this day.
