Monday came as quickly as it could. Chantel knew this day would come. She dressed up just as a boss would and walked into her office. Her assistant walked into her office minutes later after Chantel had just sat down behind her desk. Her book was lying in front of her on the table as her assistant walked in.
"Yes, Cordelia? What are my appointments for today?"
"The workers have already started working on your designs and very soon first batch of clothes would be on market."
"Very good. Anything else?"
"Yes. There is someone here to see you. She is a fashion designer, and wishes to work with our company," Cordelia said.
"Who is it? Did she leave her name?"
"Not really. But she did say she wanted to speak with you and really wanted to work with you."
"Okay, show her in. And, please I will be going out to the warehouse later today to check on the workers. Please cancel all my appointments for the late afternoon. Especially, from 4pm."
"Okay, ma'am." Cordelia walked out of the office and closed the door behind her. But later, a knock was heard on the door.
Chantel, who had her head lowered and was concentrating so much on her drawing, did not even look up when her guest entered her office.
"Please have a seat. I was told you wanted to speak to me?" she asked, with her head still lowered.
"Thank you, ma'am. I am really happy to finally meet you. I have heard about your work and I must say I am a really big fan of yours. That is why when I heard you were opening a fashion house here, I decided to get a job here. I really hope you can give me this chance and I promise not to let you down."
"Hm, I see. The problem is, I am not looking for fashion designers at the moment. I have enough already and some will be joining my team from Canada so I don't think I have any more room for another designer... " Chantel raised her head and was shocked to see the person before her.
"Nadia? It's you right?"
"You know me? I am sorry, ma'am. Forgive me but have we met before? Because I don't remember seeing you before?" Nadia asked with a confused look on her face.
"I can't believe this. After how long, fifteen years, we finally meet again? Wow, how small can the world be?!"
"Sorry, I still don't understand what's going on. Do we know each other?"
"Of course we do. From Queens high school? How can you forget me so soon? Especially since you made it your goal to harm me in every possible way," Chantel declared with a smirk on her face.
Nadia's smile suddenly turned upside down. "Chantel? Chantel Asare?"
"The one and only. Wow, what a small world," Chantel said, still smirking. She laid back in her chair and began to swing herself from side to side.
"I remember I told you a day like this would come. I never even thought I would see it myself though."
"No, this must be a joke. It can't be you. No, I refuse to believe it," Nadia said and shook her head vigourosly.
"Tsk, Tsk. Don't be surprised dear. It's me. Sorry. Let me welcome you properly to my company. And, did you say you were looking for work as a fashion designer? Well, I guess you are fortunate then. Because I am going to give you the job. What do you say?"
"I-I don't know what to say," Nadia stammered.
"Oh, you don't have to say anything. All you have to do is sign a contract with my company and you are hired," Chantel said.
"Just like that? You are going to give me a job just like that even though I hurt and humiliated you in the past?"
"Of course. At least that will show you that I am not the kind who loves to hold grudges. So, what do you say?"
"I-I accept. I really need this job so I guess I have no option," Nadia said even though it hurt her that she was seated in front of the girl whom she hated during her high school years. She belittled this girl because she was so timid and easy to be bullied.
How could Chantel be this young woman in front of her? Chantel has always been beautiful and Nadia knew that. But now, she looks gorgeous. And on top of it all, she looks very confident in herself. She is not the Chantel Nadia used to know. And this made her curious. What really changed Chantel into this gorgeous and confident woman?
"And oh, I should thank you. If it was not for you, I would not have made it this far. Actually, what you did opened my eyes to so many things. I realised I needed to push myself to where I wanted to be. So, thank you," Chantel said, bringing Nadia back to reality.
Nadia slowly nodded her head. She felt ashamed all of a sudden. This was a girl who was in the junior class. How come she was now a successful businesswoman when she, Nadia Muni, can hardly feed herself?
Ever since they graduated from high school, it's been hard for her. Her father's company ran bankrupt and the man could not face the humiliation so he killed himself, leaving his family to fend for themselves. She hated her father ever since. Her life became a mess. Everything she touched fell into pieces. She could not even find a man to love her. She almost gave up on her dreams till she found out about Chantel and how she was making her dreams work for her in canada, even though she did not know who Chantel was then. That was when she decided to pursue her dreams.
"Hey, are you okay? You seem lost. Is everything okay?" Chantel asked as she snapped her fingers in front of Nadia who seemed to have zoned out for a while.
She blinked a few times. "Yes, I am. I guess I should get going now," Nadia said and stood up.
"Yeah. But, do you mind coming back later tomorrow. I would want to give you the contract. Hope you don't mind?"
"No, I don't. Thank you for the opportunity." Nadia said and walked out the door.
Chantel scoffed. "After I am done with you, I don't think you will even thank me." Chantel said to herself.