After the tour, we all went back to the conference room in the sixth floor. I expected Ashton to go back to his office but to my surprise he went in with us. Before settling down, Ms. Maureen told us to take a thirty minute break.
"Do you want some coffee?" Jefferson asked both me and Edison.
"Sounds good." Edison replied while looking at me.
"I am not a coffee person." that made both gentlemen look at me as if I have just sprouted horns. "But I'd love some cold drinks" I hurriedly added.
Both men stood up and I followed suite. I happened to look at Ashton and found him looking at me with a slight smile. That smile disappeared when Edison once again placed his arm on my shoulders and half dragged me away towards the elevator. I was a little uneasy since I can feel an intense gaze on my back.
He has no right to get mad. None at all, I told myself as I felt myself starting to feel guilty of what he saw. I like both of these guys so I will be friends with them.
When we reached the pantry, I saw the staff serving a freshly baked lasagna which made my mouth water. So I immediately went up the counter and asked for a serving. I was delighted since I saw that there were two garlic breads and a lemon juice served with it. This is life, I sighed secretly, feeling contented.
"That happy?" Edison asked with a smirked. He noticed my slight smile because of the food.
"What?" I asked him in a nasty manner. He doesn't know the feeling of not eating something that you wish. I have been through that so many times already. I have been through a lot and all of it taught me to appreciate and be thankful in every little thing that I have. It may sound childish but even a cone of ice cream can make me giddy. I have also been through a time where I know that all of the good things can disappear in a blink of an eye.
I started digging in with gusto. I left them on their own. Lasagna are best eaten while hot. Both gentlemen noticed that I prefer to enjoy my food in silence so neither talked to me. When I took a respite from my eating, I heard them talking about some medical mission.
"Are your family still doing medical mission to other cities and countries?" Jeff asked Ed.
"Yes. My parents are headed to Wilson country for another medical mission together with the Weinsteins." Ed replied. He tried to make it sound like its nothing but I can hear loneliness in his voice. I looked up and saw Jeff looking at Ed thoughtfully while the other played with his coffee. I guess all of us are really sensitive to each others mood and behavior. This is quite amazing since we have just known each other for approximately two days. I guess we are a bunch of lonely people. That thought bought me both comfort and pain.
When you look at both them, none would think that they lack anything in life but from the way that they move, talk and pay attention to the smallest detail, especially when it concerns me, you can sense a profound loneliness and sincerity.
"When will that be?" Jeff asked.
"My parents flew last night to Wilson. The medical mission will be on Friday." he said. "They just finished organizing one for Little Angel's Haven last weekend."
What Edison said made me pause. Little Angel's Haven.
"Do you always do medical mission?" I asked Ed.
"Yes. I came from a family of doctors. From my great great grandparents down to my parents. If you are wondering what happened to me, don't." he said when he saw my curious face.
I looked at Jeff, saw him shaking his head with a slight smile. So that is private information and our friendship has not reached that level where I am allowed to know what happened. My expression turned sour and I just stuck my tongue out at him in my frustration. I can't stand it when I am curious of something. It makes my nose itch and think about it until my curiosity is satisfied. I heard Ed chuckle. Since I knew I will not be getting anything out of both guys, I attacked my food again. The pasta is now a little soggy and cold and so is my garlic bread. I glanced at the clock at the end of the hall and saw that we only have fifteen minutes left so I hurriedly finished my meal.
We went back after a filling meal on my part. Both guys just drank coffee and talked about things that I do not understand and can't relate with. I saw John and Ericka talking at the corner. I noticed that both of them stopped talking and glanced my way when we came in. Ashton was still there to my surprise and so was Ms. Maureen.
"Alright, its time to know your assignment. We are currently in the middle of printing learning materials for our language centers as well as the printing of three new novels and reprinting of novels that have been sold out. Mr. Harvey is in dire need of man power, so instead of your probationary period being rotated to three departments only, it will now be four. You will be spending six weeks in each department. You will all be receiving evaluations from all four departments." Ms. Maureen said.
"I would like to make some announcement." Ashton stood up. Ms. Maureen gave way so he can talk. "As you all know Jennifer is about to give birth, leaving the secretarial position vacant. I do not like hiring externally for the secretarial position. Now, since you are all interested in working here I decided to have both Helena and Ericka take her place for the meantime. Both of you need to report tomorrow here in the conference room since you will need to be trained by Jennifer. You will need to stay until, I will be able to look for a permanent replacement. Am I understood?" while looking at the both of us.
Be his secretary??!! This is going to be tough.