Tripping Troubles

*Andrea*

Getting to my office, I did not even think much about what transpired between myself and my boss. Becoming a contracted wife wasn't a good idea and Mr. King was not ready to tell me his reason for that. I can't just venture into it.

What was there to think about? I was sure I would never accept such an outrageous proposal.

******

Lunch came by too fast as I made my way to the company's cafeteria to get food. Even after telling myself not to think about that proposal, my mind wasn't having that and kept reminding me.

Thankfully, I am free during lunch time as my boss eats out and not at the cafeteria. After I got my food, I was heading towards a table when something or somebody almost tripped me over. My body was almost getting to the floor and I had my eyes closed expecting the worst.

I opened my eyes when I noticed I was yet to touch the ground, only to notice that I was in Mr. King's arms. Worse of it, my food was all over his suit!

I knew I was dead this time. Gosh! I've been too clumsy lately and if I get fired, that will be the end of me. Everybody had stopped eating and was looking at me now. I had to do something.

“ I– I am sorry sir. I–I didn't mean to.” I stuttered, trying to explain myself. I hope this works. I felt as if I was thrown in a burning furnace, my body felt so hot.

Mr. King moved away from me and headed in a particular direction. He got to a stop at a table where Rosie was seated and giggling with her friends. They failed to notice his presence until he cleared his throat.

"Ahem....."

Rosie adjusted her clothes and gave out a smile. That sl*t! I wish I could wipe that seductive smile off her face.

“Miss, you know it is against the rules of this company to bully someone right?”

Bully? Who did she bully? Wait.. She almost got me to fall. I'll kill this girl.

“I didn't bully anyone sir, she is trying to lie against me.”

Duh, I didn't even say anything. She is just too dumb to have given away her deed.

“The ‘she’ you are referring to did not say a word to me. I witnessed everything myself, how you whispered to your colleagues and then stuck your legs out so nobody noticed.”

Let me relax and watch the scene unfold. The look on Rosie's face was hilarious. I wish I could just take a video of this right here and show her later on.

“I apologize sir.” She stood as she said this, her head was bowed in shame. Not because she was caught, but because she was caught by Mr. King.

“I'm not the one you are supposed to apologize to. Do the needful and apologize to the right person or else, consider yourself fired.”

Good Lord! Today is a good day! But wait Andrea, is the proposal part of the good day?

Shut up! We're not talking about the proposal, I am talking about the Lady in front of me.

Aiish! I'm doing this again, talking to my imaginary self.

“I am sorry Andrea.” Rosie said, secretly rolling her eyes. I didn't care less, after all, she still apologized.

Hearing her apologize, Mr. King leaves the place but not without cursing.

"F*ck” He cussed under his breath as he regretted making that move. I on the other hand got a different food and sat far from Rosie to avoid events repeating.

Eating slowly, I smiled, recalling how Mr. King stood up for me. “Maybe he isn't that bad after all.”

***************************

I stretched out my body and glanced at the wall clock only to realize it was four, I was so tired. I knew my face might be showing how worn out I was but then again, I couldn't do anything about it.

I decided to get myself some coffee to pass time. In the process, I heard my cell phone blare and found out it was Lisa, my sister calling.

Lisa was never one to ca when I was at work. She was thoughtful enough to think about how busy I could be and I always salute her for her considerate nature.

Her call was a surprise I never expected. The first thing I heard when I answered the phone was a sobbing Lisa.

"Andrea, please come home. It's mom, I don't know what’s wrong with her. We came home only to meet her on the floor and she is not moving.” I froze in place, wondering what she meant by that.

“Lisa, calm down okay, I will be there right away. Nothing will happen to mom, just stay with her okay?” I couldn't let her see me in distress. I am the only one to console her now.

“I'm so scared Andrea, please be fast. ” Her voice broke.

I hanged up, forgoting all about the coffee and made my way to Mr. King’s office. I need to go and see my mother. I barged into the office without knocking.

“Sir, please I need to go home.” My attitude was rude but I couldn't help it. I have to get my mother to the hospital to know what the problem is.

"Miss Andrea, you can not leave your work half done and go home.” He answered nonchalantly, his eyes fixed on his laptop screen.

“I am very much aware of that sir, but I really need to go home. My mother is on the verge of death, please let me go and I will make sure to get everything done tomorrow.”

He looked away from his laptop for the first time, an emotion I couldn't tell flashing in his eyes.

“You are off the hook but keep it in mind that this is the last time.”

“Thank you Sir, Thank you so much. ” I was grateful. Very grateful.

I rushed to my office, took my bag and got into a taxi immediately after I was out of the building.

Lost in thoughts, my only prayer was for nothing to happen to my mom.