The echo of even frightening footsteps grew stronger and stronger within the walls of the statistics department of Frills Industries. All employees knew whose footsteps they belong to. The mood of the atmosphere was filled with fear and tension emitting from the employees in the particular floor. Feeling sorry for whoever targeted was imprinted in their hearts. All were on their feet when he got to the entrance of the department. He spared no glance to anyone and just came to get over whatever he was going to do. With a stoic expression, he stood in front of the assistant head of the statistics team, Joy Mount. He had privately received both good and bad reviews about her conduct. Many were against her however, he wasn't here for that. He was fed up. Out of pity was she allowed to work in the company during his father's tenure a few years before he took over as CEO. He was working in the company under his father's tutelage. All who knew him agreed he deserved the position even if some didn't.
"Ms Mount, are you aware of the current situation of the company?" He asked voice devoid of emotion.
"Yes, Mr. Pescara. I sure do know of the company's situation." She replied.
"Really? Then do tell me!" He said snidely.
"I am sorry, Mr. Pescara however it is not my place to know of the situation. My job is to help the company flourish and that is what I have been doing in all honesty." She uttered smugly. She really did know what she was saying but he expected it.
"Oh yes! Your duty is to help the company flourish, isn't it? But it doesn't say deplete the quality of the company or make it wither, does it?" She has to be the scapegoat to enable the real culprits suffice. He thought.
"Yes...but why the sudden query?"
"Why the sudden query?" He muttered slowly turning into a bellow. "Why don't you tell me why the sudden query?"
"I...I don't know what you are talking about?" Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead and arms although the air conditioner was on. He was intimidating and could be affectionate. He only showed that side of him to those in his circle.
"Don't know what I'm talking about? You added another set of zeros to the cheque of the Ravinder deal and they wouldn't reinvest this year wanting a refund of their deposit making the company lose millions of money also the budget made for the company this year is beyond attainable since the stocks are gradually decreasing." He yelled. "Now can you tell me who is in charge of these matters?"
"I am, sir." She replied.
"So you accept that this is your fault and must face the consequences?" He asked brusquely.
"Yes, sir , I accept all the blame but I am-" He interrupted her.
" According to the company's rules, deeds such as these require drastic punishment. You are fired. You shall not be paid this month's salary. All privileges you enjoy shall cease from today. Starting now, vacate your office within the next twenty minutes. Nothing of yours should remain." He ordered. Technically, it wasn't her fault. Desperate situations call for desperate measures. She just had to be the victim for this time.
He hit the third floor button in his private elevator. He ordered the finance department to give him a full report on the company's finances since the signing of the Ravinder contract . He also commanded the Human resource department to find immediate replacement. Anger still reigning in his veins, he dropped the papers he had held all this time on the desk of the HR head. He gave the finance department three hours to deliver the report and twenty-four hours to find the replacement. As he was giving out orders, his personal assistant informed him about his scheduled meeting at eleven.
Apparently, the people needed for the meeting had arrived. He got into his elevator and made way to the conference room on the seventh floor. He got a slight whip of the citrus fragrance at the hallway which calmed him instantly. It brought relaxation to his body, brain and heart. He followed the faint trail forgetting about the meeting and was surprised it led to where the meeting was held. He opened the glass door and found it dominant in there. He grew jealous since he didn't get the fragrance to himself. No matter what he did he couldn't prevent himself from sniffing. When they noticed his presence by his own fragrance all attention were on him like always. Amongst all , he had his eyes on the elegant looking woman sitting beside the manager of the models across the head of the creative design head facing all the heads of departments in the company at the table. They all stood and introductions began.
"Alva, my man, good to see you again." Nate Joplin, The chief operating officer (COO) of the company, also best buds with the CEO began.
"Good to see you too ,Nathaniel." Alva responded making Nate groan. He clearly hated the use of his full first name. The two made small talk before hearing the sound of someone coughing and another clearing the throat.
"And who might this lovely lady be ?" Nate asked in a posh manner as he noticed her.
" How has life been for you, Alva? I heard you blew their minds with the hot couture in Paris." The CEO asked ignoring Nate's question.
"As in like hope you don't die soon , Alva." She snorted. She was the one who cleared her throat. The CEO quirked an eyebrow at her and Alva glared at her. She spoke for the first time.
"Wow, mi lady such soft voice." Nate complimented in a British accent failing miserably. "Alva bro , care to introduce her?"
" If he wanted to do that, he would have done already." The lady muttered. Making Alva glare at her even more.
"She's right." Nate agreed expectantly.
"Zaph bro , I want you to meet my irritating sister and famous model, Earlene Marylis." He introduced her to the CEO. Turning to her , he introduced him to her " Earlene, meet the young bachelor Eamonn Lang Pescara, CEO of Frills Industries, my buddy." She gave him a small genuine smile and he returned it. The two shook hands. Eamonn liked how her hand fit into his flawlessly and she loved how soothing his palms were.
"Hello, nice to meet you Mr. Pescara." She initiated.
" Pleasure sure is mine, Miss Marylis." He responded.
"Please, Earlene is fine."
"sure then , Eamonn likewise." She went ahead to greet the Nate and the others.
"Your sister knows quite some manners. What about you, Chauncey?" He complimented her." Aren't you two from the same parents or..."
"Very funny. How about you introduce her to your employees and let's get this over with. I'm hungry ." Chauncey exclaims.
"When are you not ever hungry? I'm still surprised you haven't got a pot belly." Nate tantalised." Anyway since all necessary introductions have been done, ladies and gentlemen, let the meeting commence!" All took their seats and began to discuss about the cause of the meeting. A pair of warm dark brown eyes were fixed on the elegant looking model during the meeting. He couldn't concentrate on the meeting rather on the figure before him. He watched closely how she was expressing her views when needed be. He was caught at certain times however he stealthy covered up as fast as flash. They were discussing about the marketing of a new product and hotel. Earlene was to do the modelling pact but for some reason she felt uncomfortable with their choices.
"Is everything all right, Earlene?" Eamonn asked out of the blue with concern laced in his voice as he sensed her uneasiness. All quieted down and turned their attention to her.
" Anything the matter, turnip?" Alva asked this time as she glared at him for the use of a silly nickname to which he smirked.
"Yes, I want to strangle you Chauncey." She hissed. " Real bad." All looked at her in shock except Chauncey and Eamonn portraying amusement.
"Why? Are you drained on blood?" He played along.
"This isn't time for your games." She turned to the marketing head, creative design head, Eamonn, Nate and the rest. " This product is a good one with all the qualities associated with it ( Eamonn looked happy for a while soon it vanished just like it came.) but I can't model for it. Gasps were heard, Eamonn looked furious and Chauncey looked calculative. No one gave room for explanation.
"Why won't you do it?" Eamonn asked caring to show off a bit of his fury. No one had ever rejected his projects like that.
"That's what I'm going to explain but you wouldn't let me." She replied with irritation.
"Go on then ! You must have a very tangible reason." He ticked her off.
"I wouldn't speak to me like that if I were in your place. You need me but I can't help. Sometimes you have to take rejection even though it is painful. "She glowered back pulling at a loose strand of hair near her ear causing others to dread her survival. He knew she was right with the number of people who trusted her words. Before Eamonn could retort Alva took over.
"Enough both of you. And you Lene, I need to speak with you. It is not a request, it is an order." He spoke authoritatively leaving the shocked people in a worse state.He drew her away to the farthest point and they spoke in whispers. After their little chat they returned back to the table with a bubbly Chauncey and a feral Earlene.
"We understand you do not want to work with us but give us a chance." The marketing head spoke.
" No one begs no one to get anything done! There are many better models besides her who would do the pact anyway!" Eamonn roared causing everyone to flinch except Earlene.
She didn't seem to have heard him which pissed him off even more since he did not get the effects he desired. He continued his verbal fracas however not once did she pay attention. She had problems of her own. She was hungry after seeing a picture of a salmon teriyaki with a fruit cocktail drink sent by Sage. Her mouth watered and her stomach growled lightly. She texted her and asked for her share.
"Zaph, calm down." Nate reasoned earning a second to it notion.
"Zaph, she can't hear you!" Chauncey uttered sadly. This seem to have worked.
"What do you mean 'she can't hear me?" He calmed down with puzzlement.
"Dysacusis : a condition in which ordinary sounds produce discomfort or pain. It is what she is suffering from. The reason she objected is because the advertisement requires her to be half naked." Chauncey explained. Of course Earlene was famous for one of those reasons. No one knew of the scars on her right rib, her left ankle and the faint markings from childhood. Relief washed over Eamonn as soon as he digested Alva's words also pity settling in. All were surprised at the new found information." Don't look at her with that. She hates it so just play cool or act like in the beginning when you did not know. Hopefully , I get out of this alive." They agreed.
" so... how are you going to gain her attention." Nate couldn't help but ask.
" It's simple. You just tap her lightly if you want all your fingers safe, then you speak. She can read lips." Chauncey demonstrated. He smiled at her and they watch with undivided attention.
"Turnip, you okay?" He asked as she looked at him.
" What! Want to die?" She asked with annoyance. He raised his hands in surrender whilst the others laugh.
" Hey! I was just asking about how you are doing. That's all." He muttered. He reached into his pockets and brought up a small box similar to the ones used to encase rings. He handed the contents to her.
" Wear it. They want to talk. Give them a chance."
" on one condition." She replied as she read his lips.
"And what is that?"
"If I am doing the pact, my conditions and preferences. Nothing but that." She negotiated. He smiled and didn't have to relay the message for they got it. They approved and she wore it back. She removed the aids when she was tucking the loose strands back. They returned to their discussion till her phone rang. She excused herself to take the call only to return looking pale. Everyone noticed however her attention was on her brother.
"What is it?" He was perturbed.
" Can... Can I get a hug?" She asked out of the blue. He seeing nothing wrong gave her one. Her breathing went back to normal.
"Thank you." Others watched with confusion. Earlene went violent.
"Nothing to thank me about turnip. What is the matter?" He asked but she didn't respond. She began to pack up what she brought. She changed into a pair of sneakers which she brought along. All who witnessed thought one thing: Earlene has gone cray cray. As she jogged lightly towards the glass door, she was pulled back by the wrist. She struggled to break free but it didn't work. They tried calming her down however it only regressed.
"Let me go Al, if you do not want to die before your time! Eamonn, I will gladly shoot the pact, Liam, I choose the countryside venue. It's way better. Everyone, it was nice meeting you but now is not the time. Thank you once again." She rambled still trying to break free." Now can I go? I have bid the civilized human farewell."
"Where are you going?" Eamonn asked surprised as well by her sudden act but masked it really well.
"Mr. Eamonn..."
" Just Eamonn" he corrected.
" Just Eamonn...sorry...Eamonn (She flushed) Something really came up. It's a life and death situation. I am sorry."
"Where are you going?" Chauncey asked the same question again. "Is it one of your patients or even Sage? Is she in trouble?
"Airport." She stated. " Give me your damn car keys."
" No" Chauncey replied.
"Fine then. I'm going to take the bus or use the subway"
" No" He shouted.
" Bloody hell!" she cussed.
" No cussive words. At least a brief on what is happening then I'll let you leave."
" sorry. I forgot my English grammar. Chauncey, let me go!" He tightened his grip. Not too long, he let go as if he was electrocuted.
" What the hell!" he cursed. Before he could stop her, she had already reach for the elevator.
" I will call you to give you information just finish off with the meeting." She shouted as the elevated closed in his face . She sped off as she got into Alva, Chauncey's car.
Back at the meeting, all were trying to grasp what happened. Chauncey thought of going to the airport too since that's the only information she gave. He looked for his car keys but couldn't find them. As if on cue, Earlene called him.
"What the hell Earlene! Where are my keys?"
" How would I know? You didn't give them to me."
" Cut the crap and tell me where they are!"
"They're with me. Actually I am using them."
"No you did not!"
"Yes, I did. I am driving your car now fifteen minutes drive away from the airport."
"But how did you?"
" Now, that's for me to know."
" So what are going to do at the airport."
"Anything the matter Alva?" Nate asked as he recognised the same expression on Earlene's face on his.
" Don't worry! Nothing is wrong. Just a small family issue. Yes , a small, very small family issue." Alva comforted them but it sounded like they were meant for him.
"Let's continue with the deal then if it's a small, very small family issue." Nate cheekily said. Alva paid no attention.
He was still stuck in his shaken world with a pressing matter at hand : How to go home when your credit card is empty.