5

Hazel

We chatted for a while going from one topic to another. My girls knows the hook and nooks when it comes to gist. Layla wouldn't stop talking about Damon making me to hate him more than before. The world doesn't revolve around him. There are lot of hot men in New York City. He's feeling too prideful of himself. I took out my phone that was vibrating as I searched for my apartment key from my bag. "Who the hell is calling me now?" I hissed. I unlocked the door first before giving my attention to my phone.

"Shit!" I muttered seeing who the caller id was. Month will end in the next two days. So, it's normal for my Dad to start calling. I ignored the call because I have nothing to say to him at the moment. I haven't received my monthly pay too. And with the things happening at the company, I don't know whether I would be paid. I dropped the phone on the couch and trekked to my two sitter dining chair pouring water on the glass cup. Another hiss left my lips making me to almost choked at the water. He will never let me be in as much as I don't answer the call.

My eyes were fixated on the phone as I kept on vibrating. It began ringing immediately it stopped ringing. "What! What!" I groan snatching the phone from the couch. My thumb came a halt seeing a different name on the screen. Why is Mr. Lorenzo secretary calling me?

Have you forgotten your green card? Maybe it's working now. The corner of my lips twitched up into a smirk. Well, it's my turn to do things my way. The phone chimed again this time around it was mom.

"Why aren't you picking up your calls dear" Was the first thing that came out of her mouth. I had to shift the phone from my ears.

"Mom. I don't always have free time" I said plopping my legs on the center table.

"Well, but you have enough time to slap your boss" That renders me speechless. How news travels fast. I don't really put that much thought about them seeing the news. My face was literally all over the media. There's no how that they won't recognize me. Unless I will disguise myself. And that will be another workload.

"I did that because you deserve that" I answered after a while.

"You don't have to do that in public. Now we're left to answer unnecessary questions of the neigbours" I closed my eyes and open then again heaving out a sharp breath.

"Are we going to keep talking about it? It has already happened"

"I know. Yet, it's not too late for mend the mistake. That's not the reason why I call though. Your father wants to speak with you"

Okay, I know one way or the other the talk won't end up pleasant. I heard my Dad's voice from the background. "Hazel, why aren't you picking my calls" He said copying Mom's action.

"I know what you want to talk about. Things are currently on hot plate for me. At least cut me some slack this time around" I was seriously fed up with all what they're doing. I have a life of my own. I need to take care of myself too. I know they're my parents but sometimes they go overboard. My life doesn't revolves around paying off debt.

"I know things aren't easy for you. But you should look at the bright side. I'm getting old already. My-"

I was quick in cutting him off knowing what his statement will lead to. He'd go on about how he worked to cater for my needs. I'm tired of hearing that. Almost everytime. Especially when the month is due.

"It's alright Dad. I will take care of it"

"I trust you. I know you won't turn your back on us"

Well because I'm here to pay off their debt. "I got to go. Take care of yourselves"

"We love you dear" I heard Mom's voice before the line went dead. I casted my head down raking my fingers over my hair.

I didn't get to drop the phone when a call came through. It was Mr. Lorenzo secretary. I've dealt with one. Another is on again. I slid the accept button putting it to my ears. I didn't say anything. Waiting for him to start the talking.

“Good day to you Miss. Dalen” His familiar voice resonate from the phone.

“Good day to you too Mr. Kane” I sticked to short reply.

“I’m sure you're wondering why I'm calling at this hour” He said. I know why he was calling yet I fake pretence.

“Yes Mr. Kane. Hope everything is okay?” I asked shaking my legs that were plopped on the table.

“Yes and No”

“I don't quite get you”

The line suddenly went silent. I almost thought he hung up. Until his voice surfaces again after a while. “We need your help” The soul in me wanted to burst out with laughter. I knew it. I knew they'd come looking for me. I'm that competent that they won't be able to find a replacement on a die minute when the shares keeps getting down.

My green card has began working. “Are you there Miss Dalen?” His voice sounded again.

“Yes I'm with you. What help could an ex-employee like me do for you?”

Great Hazel. You're hitting the nails.

“You’re still our employee. Your resignation is null. Discussing it over the phone will take much of your time”

“I don’t mind” I answered almost immediately.

Another silence follows. “Miss Dalen, can we just keep the misunderstanding aside for now. And work towards solving the problem at hand. Mr. Damon is currently pressed”

I see. So, he's there sitting while his employees do the work. He was supposed to be the one to speak to me. Not Mr. Kane.

“I’m sorry Mr. Kane, I can't do that. My image is already tarnished. It's all over the internet. Don't you think by helping the company that destroyed my character, it's the same as piercing a knife through my skull?”

“Look here Miss Dalen, we don't have time to be dragging on the past. What's needed to be done should be done” This time around, it was Damon's voice himself.

I adjusted my sitting position the way I would feel more comfortable to talk to the devil. “Well, if desperately need my help you should ask through the right way not venting it through anger” I blinked my eyes quickly hoping he'd catch on what I'm planning on getting from him.

“What are you trying to say?” His voice was still as sharp as ice. I bet he's not ready to save his company.

“You want my help, you should ask nicely” I uttered the words sounding light on my tongue.

Okay fine. We need your help” A smile curved up at the corner of my lips. Nice one Hazel.

“I didn't get you well” I lied. I'm sure if not because of the situation he was in, he’d vent his anger atop my head. I could picture him flaring his nose on me in anger.

“We need your help Miss Dalen” My smile widened more.

“Alright then. Give me thirty to forty minutes I will be at the office” The line went dead almost immediately. No even thank you.

Cut the poor man some slack. You've done enough damage to him. That wouldn't be compared with how he treat women.

I sent a quick text to Mr. Kane.

Good day Mr. Kane,

Thank you for delivering the message. I'm honored to receive such position at the company. Praying for a better and bigger company. I hit the send button.

I sent another quick text to our group chat. Telling them about my winning mission.

Giving it to him fire by fire. Back to back. Came Kylie reply. Followed by Layla’s You wicked girl. Don't land yourself in trouble. We won't be there to save your ass.

I chuckle at their reply. I know they will. I trust them on that. We got each other's back. I sauntered to my room and quickly changed into a new set of clothes. A black dress. Sparkling one to be precise. I'm going there as a boss. So I need to show them that feisty side of me. Damon should know he messed with the wrong woman.

I wore on black glasses. Because I'm sure reporters will be hindering around. It's a trend nowadays. You will see a normal person in their normal form. When they catch on a latest news they will reveal their true self.

Surprisingly, the entrance wasn't swamped with reporters like I expected. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't be recognized. I stayed calm and advance my way inside.

The moment I stepped in Mr. Damon's office, I was attacked by pairs of eyes. Most especially that of Damon that was throwing daggers at me. A smirk found it's way out of my lips. “Let’s get down to the real deal” I uttered marching in with my heels creaking on the floor.