C2 Chapter Two

Chapter Two

My dad was fast asleep,nurse Vee was writing out something into my dad's medical file while I walked in.

Good evening mam,

Hey Charlotte, how are you?

I'm alright ma'am.

I could hear the sound of my dad's breath,I whispered over my dad, You will be out of this place soon ensuring that nurse Vee didn't hear me.

Naomi was really more of a positive version that I am. Knowing how to cheer me up, just while I laid my back on the smaller bed beside my dad’,my phone beeped, it was Naomi's message.

Hey Charlotte guess what? with an exciting emoji following, she already knew I won't be able to guess anything, not at this moment.Typical of her, she spilled the news immediately.

Oaks haven fashion house is launching new products and they are also hiring newbies, She continued, Ben got the deal for you. I told him about you and dads Illness,just yesterday,

Naomi paused, and her call came in immediately, I could hear the excitement in her voice even through the phone.

"Charlotte, this will be amazing, you have always wanted this, yea, Oaks Haven is a big deal,it's huge, but please do not let him be a reason you won't take this job, but who knows? I don't think he will bother you and maybe he’s changed too.

I laughed softly, and sighed, "You’re right, but I can’t imagine him not wanting something in return, but whatever it is,I'm still gonna face him.

Naomi’s voice softened, Hey, Charl, you’ve got this. Don’t think about Ben for now,Please focus on the job. You earned your place, whether or not Ben was involved. Oaks Haven can't just hire anyone, You know how reputable they are, Trust me, they wouldn't just employ anyone without doing their due diligence.

"That right I muttered,, but my mind was racing. This is too good, Oaks haven!

Just take it one step at a time," Naomi continued, her tone reassuring. "And don't worry about Ben for now. You'll see that he won't be a problem after all and he really sounded sincere yesterday when we had a chat.

A mail came into my phone, immediately,my heart raced anxiously, I opened it and it was from oaks haven, excitement filled my heart.

This is surreal Naomi, I just got a mail from them , I just have two days to resume work

Two days to prepare."Naomi I need a new set of clothes and I need a lot.

Naomi chuckled. "Well, you better start. And remember, I’m just one call away if you have cold feet before the big day.

I smiled, feeling a bit more nerveless"Thanks, Naomi. I appreciate it."

"Anytime, Charl.

Now, go celebrate this win, you deserve it.

Thank you darling,i replied.

I hung up, but my thoughts were still racing. Two days until I stepped into a world I had only ever dreamed about.

I have always wanted a reputable fashion house, but Oaks Haven, no way, the house of Rick John and Rhoda, I have heard silly and good read stories about those two from blogs, they seem to be lovers, that familiar sad feeling quickly returned to my heart, they'd built something remarkable, and soon, I'd be part of it.

Still, in the back of my mind, Ben lingered. What does he really want?

Rick John after going through the files and cards of the new intakes , he looked at them meticulously, he picked a file and looked through it the third time ,a female's file, He placed a call to his secretary, Max

He spoke firmly but not rudely.

Max, I trust your decisions and choice in choosing our staff, but the female employer has no much experience whatsoever in fashion.

Yes sir, Max replied, but trust me on this, she was referred to by a very astute source.

Alright then, see what you do, put her first on probation or any other department, don't bring her yet to Brain stitches, maybe the place of a receptionist first.

An hour, and a few minutes later,Rhoda walked in elegantly but seductively.

My darling, she said, walking closely to where Rick was seated,

Max said you instructed to place one of the new employees on probation, she said anxiously.

Yes , Rick replied and grinned, I will love us to work closely with the others for now, after two months or , we can explore to see what Charlotte Thomas has to offer, he added, we should be sure she is worth working with Brain stitches.

You know her name?

Rhoda looked at him with surprise in her eyes,he looked back at Rhoda with his charming eyes.

They are our employees, we should be keen about them.

Rhoda cuts in, oh well, not like I care, I know you have more authority more than I do Rick, but don’t you think you should involve me in every decision you make, she smiled and drew closer to him,unbuttoning the first two buttons in his shirt slowly,

His breath became more audible, you just know what this man needs now.

He spoke softly, falling for her charms.

Tea or coffee,

She asked with her eyes partly closed, he rushed and their lips locked together passionately.

Both he answered with his eyes shut in lust.

I pressed the button in office 12 and opened the door,the receptionist at the first floor who checked me in directed me to Max office.I dropped a message for Naomi,

Hey sis, Did you forget it's today? I will give me heads up later, she didn't reply at that moment.

I pressed the doorbell button but there was no reply, I hesitated a little and pressed again with nervousness and I slightly pushed the giant door open.

Few seconds, I was in the big room , it was quite dim, most lights were turned off and as I walked further, my eyes caught a man and a woman almost having sex,my heart stopped for some seconds, I was stunned, couldn't turn back, nor move,the lady had already seen me.

What audacity!

Rhoda screamed at me with anger and embarrassment written all over her face, I bowed my head wishing the ground could just swallow me up.

This could be the termination of my job, a job I hadn't even started.

I am very sorry sir and mam, I was asked to come to Max's office, and ,and ,I said trembling, waiting for their next action.

That was the only thing I could utter, my hands were shaking like it does whenever I am frightened or nervous .I couldn't look at their faces.

This was the lady I saw holding hands with Rick the other day on television.

Apparently, they are lovers.

I'm standing face to face with the man I crushed after on television the other day, Rick John, the man I couldn't stop admiring in magazine pages.I had just interrupted the fun they were having. will I get sacked?

Rick who appeared not bothered quickly buttoned his shirt back and made a very quick call, his voice was gentle but firm, Max, he said, come to office immediately,

My face was still bowed, how could I explain this? A job I just barely got is what I'm about to lose.

Max came in staring anxiously at me before Rick spoke, and his gaze turned to Rick.

Max attend to the young lady, the man said,

Young lady you must be too daft to work here, Your first day at work?

Rhoda retorted this time, her skirt was properly arranged this time, her attitude screaming, I'm in charge.

I'm very sorry mam , I apologized, staring at the both of them.

Rick had his eyes focused on the laptop right In front of him,while Max led me out of the magnanimous office .

This way, young lady, to my office, Max said using his right hand to lead the way and he shut the door behind us.

You should have left me to deal with her myself,Rhoda lamented not looking at his face.

Rick smiled, tonight baby,he said flirtingly, we will have all the fun we want to have, but now, let's get to work first, okay?

Rhoda stood up and walked towards the door.

I will be in my office boss, this time with no smile on her face, she walked out majestically.

Charl, how are you spending your first day at oaks haven? Phoebe's message came in, I need all the story .Have you seen the CEO yet? He is strikingly handsome and he has a thing for women.

Phoebe I'm not well now,

I'm gonna call you when I'm off work, I replied.

Something isn't right with you Charl, please get back to me as soon as possible.

Okay I will , I texted back.

A position of a receptionist? I asked frowning while Max was addressing me in his office, You,ve got a problem with that?

I'm only doing my job, young lady and following instructions.

You got your job on referral, through a source I know well, but it isn't enough, so you might as well do your best to keep it.

You already bagged into the boss's office your first day at work,you know that's not a good impression.you should have been sacked on the spot.

I'm truly innocent of that, it was a mistake,he sighed and added, if you do well, you will get your promotion of working with Brain stitches, the department I know you want to work with.

Thank you so much sir.

Max , he corrected me, I nodded as he walked me out of the office to my table on the first floor.

The staff on the first floor kept staring at me, some smiled while some acted like they were overly serious.

That's your table, Ms, Thomas. If you need anything, call my office, I will be down in a few minutes, he said, turning straight back to the elevator.

I just messed up my first day at work.Is that why I'm being punished?

I hated the job even before I started but I have got to prove I deserve better like Max advised, Will I ever get my dream work here?