C19 19. I can get you fired

ENDLESS NIGHTS

Chapter 19

"Excuse me, ma'am," the airline assistant said, her tone both patient and a hint of urgency swirling within it. "We're still waiting for you to purchase your ticket. I must inform you that the seats for the flight you're interested in are rapidly selling out."

With a flutter of anxiety in her chest, Nomsa pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation as she leaned slightly over the counter, her voice trembling.

"No, please, you have to make a space for me! My brother isn't answering his phone, but he's going to pay with his card. I really need to be on this flight." She felt the weight of her need to press down on her more than usual; after all, it wasn't just any flight-it was an urgent need to be with family and friends.

One of the assistants raised an eyebrow, a flash of suspicion crossing her face.

"And who exactly is this brother of yours?"

Nomsa took a breath, the name both a source of comfort and irritation at times.

"David Maynard is my brother," she replied, and it was as if her words rang like a bell in the quiet room. Suddenly, heads swiveled in her direction, eyes locking onto her with a mix of curiosity and surprise.

"David?" one of the assistants echoed loudly enough for everyone to hear, and with that singular name, the atmosphere shifted. It was as though a secret had been unveiled amongst strangers.

"What's your name?" another assistant chimed in, breaking the sudden tension.

"I'm Nomsa," she said, her heart thumping a little faster under the spotlight.

"Nomsa Maynard, or...?" the second assistant continued, his tone level yet probing,

"Are you really his sister?"

"No, I'm his cousin, actually," she clarified, her voice steadier now, though she could feel the subtle disappointment of being slightly less than what they assumed she was.

With a nod of understanding, the first assistant relaxed her shoulders.

"Alright, Nomsa, don't you worry. Hey you with the big head," she gestured to a tall, burly fellow nearby with a friendly smile,

"Please help Ms. Nomsa with her bags. Make sure she has the most comfortable seat ever. She deserves to be spoiled on this flight."

It was a kind gesture, no doubt, but it made Nomsa bristle inwardly. It was moments like these that made her wish to hide in the shadows of normalcy. She often found herself reluctant to bring up David for precisely this reason. The idolatry - the way people would glimpse her with awe as if she were royalty. It was a role she never asked for and never felt comfortable in, unlike the glowing spotlight that felt all too familiar to her brother.

Still, she pushed those feelings aside for the moment. Her birthday was just around the corner, and David, her beloved brother, was footing the bill for this flight. It suddenly made sense why he had been so unresponsive. Clutching the vibrant bouquet of flowers meant for Ariel, her best friend who had been eagerly preparing for a birthday celebration of her own, Nomsa fished her phone out of her pocket. She knew she had to try once more. While almost everyone else affectionately called him David or the cool nickname Dav, she had her own name for him-brother Dee.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the call connected, and she felt a wave of relief wash over her.

"Hello, sweet sister," came his charming voice, smooth and melodious, yet a touch guilty. "I was busy with someone. I'm so sorry about that."

Her heart softened at the sound, "Fine," she said, lightening the tension in her chest, "But seriously, how is my little Barbie, Ariel doing? Have you found yourself a girlfriend yet, or are you still flying solo?"

A pause stretched out, thick with tension, before he replied. "I think I've found someone."

Her curiosity peaked. "What? Oh my gosh! Is she beautiful? Sexy? Adorable?" She nearly squealed, her excitement echoing in her voice.

David laughed lightly, which danced through their connection.

"Long blonde curly hair, gorgeous eyes, perfect body."

Joy erupted in her heart at the news. Finally, he had found someone worthy of his charm and kindness. "I can't wait to meet her! You should absolutely invite her to my birthday party. Deal?"

"Deal," he replied with a chuckle. "When you arrive at the airport, just let me know. Bruno will come and pick you up."

With a final goodbye, the call disconnected, leaving Nomsa smiling, feeling a little lighter despite the chaos surrounding her. The bustling world around her faded out momentarily as she envisioned the celebration ahead-a perfect gathering, laughter filling the air, and maybe even the blossoming of a new love story alongside hers.

**Alessia**

### At Home

It was already dark outside, and I headed to the kitchen to whip up something for Mandy and me. We had no food in the house, but we did have the cash that David gave us. I knocked on Mandy's door.

"Hey, let's go to the market and grab some food."

"Sure, let's go!" she said eagerly. We locked up and headed out to the market. It was a bit of a trek, so normally we'd take an Uber, but we decided to walk instead-I needed to clear my head.

"Mandy, I know you're eager to get back to school. I'm going to come up with a plan for you."

"Yeah, but let's focus on sorting out my mom first, Alessia. School can wait. Oh, and I owe you an apology. I'm really sorry for how I spoke to you at the hospital. You didn't deserve that. I brought up the whole pregnancy thing, but I put it all on you. I'm sorry."

"It's all good; let's just move on."

When we finally reached the market, I asked Mandy what she felt like eating.

"What should we get? What do you want for dinner?"

"I'm good with anything," she said.

"Anything?" I asked again, just to be sure.

"Yep, anything."

"Excuse me, sir, do you have lettuce, carrots, green pepper, and beetroot?" I inquired.

"Sure do! That'll be $17."

"Can you add some lamb meat too?"

"Absolutely, here you go."

"Alright, let's head home, little rascal," I joked with Mandy. On the way back, we took an Uber since it was getting pretty dark. Once we got home, my phone started ringing immediately.

📱...Hello?

"Hi, is this Ms. Alessia Williams?" a male voice asked.

📱... Yes, what's up? Is this the hospital or something?

"This is Headmaster Wilton from St John's College. I have some great news! Your niece can attend school here for free; Beam will cover the expenses."

📱... Wait, what? Mandy is supposed to go to St John's? Look, Mr. Wilton, that school is way out of our budget. We can't afford it. Thanks, but she can't go there. Plus, we'd need about $50 monthly just for transport. Not to mention lunch and tuition-no way we can swing it...

"No, no, don't worry about transport; it's free. And as for tuition, Beam is covering that too."

📱...Mr. Wilton, I really appreciate your kindness, but how do you even know about my niece Mandy? We're fine on our own. Did Ethan send you?

"Nobody sent me, alright?"

📱... Then why are you doing all this? We're good.

"No, Ms. Alessia, Mandy needs to be at school tomorrow. She should be ready by 6 AM because that's when her ride will pick her up, and it'll bring her back at 4 PM."

📱... I think I should go with her to school tomorrow; I have so many questions. There's no Beam. You're l... Before I could finish, the call dropped.

"Alessia, are you okay? Who was that? Ethan?"

"Headmaster from St John's College."

"Seriously? You were talking to him? St John's is one of the top schools in the city! What did he say?"

"He said you can go there, but I'm a bit worried. I feel like he's not being straight with me about who's really covering the transport and tuition."

"Oh, that makes sense. Don't stress about it, though. I'm just so happy! I can't believe I'm going to St John's... Alessia, I can't tell you how excited I am."

"I'm not up for cooking anymore; I'm heading to bed. You can make yourself something to eat after and get some rest. But seriously, where are we gonna get the uniforms for St John's? We're definitely going to need new books and school shoes too!"

###Back to the mansion

**Bruno**

"Mr. David, Mr. David... David?" I called out, searching for my supervisor. In my haste, I collided with Pinky, who exclaimed,

"Are you an employee? Where are you rushing off to? Are you looking for David to discuss the call? Who is on the line?" I chose to remain silent, unwilling to let the caller overhear our exchange. I hurried to David's office, where I found him.

"Sir, there is someone on the line who wishes to speak with you."

"Hand me the phone..." he replied as he took it from my grasp.

"...Hello? Has it been resolved? Were you able to persuade her? I trust she agreed?"

"...Yes, I was able to convince her, though she still had some inquiries."

"She is quite formidable; I am aware." Mr. David then concluded the call and returned my phone to me.

"What tasks do I have for tomorrow?" I inquired.

"For the time being, nothing. Did you purchase the items I instructed you to acquire? They should be delivered early tomorrow morning around 5 AM; there is no need for you to go."

"Of course, sir," I replied and promptly exited his office. I then remembered that I needed to speak with Pinky first. Initially, I ignored her since I was on the call, and now that it had ended, I proceeded toward the sitting area where she was lounging on the couch. I approached, took a seat beside her, and stated,

"Madam, please understand your boundaries; refer to me as Bruno, not as 'worker' as you did previously."

"The reality remains unchanged, dear Bruno; you are still an employee, are you not?"

"And you? You remain a beggar, an attention seeker, a pitiable individual who struggles to find love and relentlessly pursues men."

"How dare you?" she retorted, raising her hand to strike me. I intercepted her hand before she could make contact and replied,

"You have no substance, merely bones. Do not attempt to strike me again; I am capable of causing you great harm."

"Is Mr. David instructing you to show disrespect to everyone in this residence? I will do everything possible to ensure your termination."

"And I will take every measure to remove your unwanted presence from my supervisor's life. My employer is in love with someone else, Alessia, the lovely woman with blonde curly hair, and we both know this to be true. I disdain you, for no man will ever love you except for your father."

(Crying) "Oh my goodness! Are you now humiliating me? Do you have any idea who my father is?"

"Indeed, a lamentable individual who has failed to instill manners in his daughter. Should you cross my path again, I will not hesitate to eliminate you and dispose of your body where it will be unnoticed."

"Are you threatening me?"

**Alessia**

On the call

"Hello, this is Mr. Delivery Driver. I have your address and will be delivering something to you early in the morning. Thank you, and have a pleasant evening...bye"

"First it was school, now deliveries? What on earth is occurring? Who is providing us with these various favors?"

To be continued....