What Came First
“Filled much humor as well as a bit of angst, this down-to-earth story is sure to please.”
What Came First is a humorous tale of three women whose paths intersect with one man and the consequences of this on their relationships.
Laura, a 40-something single mom, lives in California and works as an estate lawyer. Divorced from her husband, she has no inclination toward or desire for a relationship. Her job and her eight-year-old son, Ian, who is the love of her life, consume her. Laura isn´t close to her parents, who are divorced and remarried, or to her brother, so she worries about Ian´s future if something should happen to her. She contemplates if having another child would be the answer, realizing her capacity to love children is boundless.
Wendy and her husband, Darren, who relocated to Arizona from Chicago, desperately want children. After several tries, Wendy gives birth to twins, Sydney and Harrison. Though she loves them dearly, she agonizes over them, for they are growing up to be enfants terribles. Wendy spends her time placating her kids and wonders if her life will ever belong to her again. As she drifts into frustration and despair, Darren drifts further away from her and the kids, immersing himself in computer games.
Vanessa, about to celebrate her 29th birthday, longs for her live-in boyfriend, Eric to propose and give her a ring. Together with him for several years, Vanessa yearns only to settle down and have children before she gets too old. When a ring doesn’t appear, Vanessa starts to believe Eric will never grow up or want to create a family with her.
How does Eric fit into this picture? A young man in his early 30s, Eric drops out of medical school after the loss of his father. Talented and intelligent, he is satisfied with his job at Costco, his living arrangements with Vanessa, and the way his present life is going. For some reason though, he is stuck on hold, and not eager to or interested in changing anything. Can meeting Laura, learning about Wendy, and dealing with his insecure girlfriend, Vanessa, set him on the right path?
Written in the first person with each chapter in the point of view of the three women, the story tells about the trials and tribulations of getting pregnant and having children, as well as finding out if certain relationships are meant to be. Ms. Snow’s in-depth research into certain topics enlightens the reader while relating the nuances in the lives of her diverse characters. Filled much humor as well as a bit of angst, this down-to-earth story is sure to please.