Chapter 6 - Will I lose my job?

Cora's POV

The smile on my face dissipated, the moment I heard what he said. "Am I in trouble?" I was struck with immense panic at that instance. Taking note of what happened earlier and how embarrassed I felt, I was not comfortable going to meet him, especially not today.

"Why don't you find out when you get there." Ken's voice was plain so I couldn't read his thoughts through it. It was just another hopeless situation.

"I don't mean to be rude. But my shift is in the evening. Can't I meet him then? I mean, my mum is already dead worried about me." Even a heartless man should be moved for this reason right? Knowing where he sent me to and what I encountered, I didn't expect otherwise but Ken at this moment was unmoved.

"Are you trying to disrespect the boss? Look here lady, if you want to keep your job, you better do everything he says." After his warning, he left, leaving me in disarray. I took in the now-empty conference room which was crowded a few minutes ago, wondering where everyone went. Not even Sawyer and his brother were there. Searching around like a fool, I remembered he has an office and went there - my mind being in a complete daze. I knocked on the door and heard a deep voice.

Sawyer was speaking with his brother Jason but the latter left immediately I entered the office and I felt awkward being with him alone. His fierce look had softened and I could swear there was a thin smile on his lips but remembering what went on earlier and the way he gazed at me, I started apologizing instantly.

"I am sorry about what happened back then. I wasn't late to the meeting, I only went to change." I watched as a confused expression appeared on his face. It made me feel and look stupid. If he wasn't calling me because of that incident, then why did he call me here?

"What are you talking about?" He furrowed his brow.

"I thought you were upset because I came in late and interrupted the meeting." He shook his head and what he said afterwards, surprised me. It was as if he didn't hear anything I said.

"I heard you are a student in college so what are you doing here?" I stood silent and he spoke again.

"Do you not understand my question or do you not want to answer?" His voice was becoming cold.

"I still have to take care of my family." That was the first thing that crossed my mind. It was the truth anyway but I didn't want to disclose my personal issues at work.

"Sorry, please have a seat," He motioned the seat in front of him. This is when I realized I was still standing close to the door and a bit far from his desk. The size of the office was already drowning me and now he is asking me to sit. I never even knew this office existed in the Inn in the first place and the decoration was perfect for his status. I moved across and sat in front of him. After a little pause, he threw another uncomfortable question.

"Where are your parents?" I didn't like where his questions were going. Why was he rubbing into my personal life?

"Will I lose my job if I don't answer that? I just don't feel comfortable talking about it," I said looking on the floor. I didn't want to be intimidated by his cold piercing glare.

"What if I say yes?" His voice was friendly so I relaxed, almost as if he was joking but it still scared me. Damn my needing a job so desperately. I wouldn't have to be here saying anything that brought bitter memories.

"My mum is sick so I need to work to take care of her, my sister, and myself." His expression changed into a somewhat unreadable one and I didn't know what he was going to ask next but the only thing I wanted now was to go home. I was so worried about my mum.

"Where is your father?" He asked with unreadable emotions. The mention of my dad filled the corners of my eyes with tears. But I was able to hold it back from falling.

"I honestly do not want to talk about him and I have to leave now because I didn't go home last night and my mum will be dead worried." He looked at me for a while before he spoke.

"You may leave now but this conversation is not over." He swung on his swivel chair with his back to me and his face to the window, which made me relieved.

"Thank you," I said to him before leaving his office. He didn't respond but I was quite happy. I felt like I had just come out of water. Is this another interview or what? Why all these questions? Why does my private life concern him so much? All these questions kept badging my head and I didn't have a single answer to any of them. I got into my car and sped off.

Just as I thought, mum was crying when I got home and Cecil was sitting by her, consoling her on the sofa. My heart sank at the sight of them. It means they didn't receive my message. Cecil saw me first and rushed to hug me, almost knocking me down the floor.

"Am sorry, Cora, you had to work all night just to get me money. Please forget about the excursion. I won't go anymore. You don't have to work extra hours to cater for us. We will manage whatever you give us at every point in time. We thought something must have happened to you. We reported to the police but they said they can't initiate an investigation until after seventy - two hours. We were so worried and mum wouldn't take her medications. She kept crying and said she wanted to die because she was just a liability to you."

I listened sadly as Cecil went on and on ranting about everything that happened in my absence. Each word piercing my heart. I couldn't wait to graduate and find a decent job. I walked over to mum who had stopped crying now. I hugged her and kissed her on the forehead.

"Am sorry mum, I should have informed you but everything happened so fast. Don't worry, I will be fine, and please don't cry anymore." Even though I was tired and wanted to rest before evening. I ended up staying with her for a while before heading upstairs. I kept the phone on charge and pulled out my piggy bank. I remember the timeline for the payment of Cecil's excursion was tomorrow so I emptied my piggy bank for her since I was too tired to go to the atm anytime soon.

"I told you that am no longer going," she pouted, leaving the money on the bed.

"You have to go. It's an educative trip." After almost thirty minutes of begging, I was able to convince her before she finally accepted the money and left my room. I fell on the bed and slept.

I was woken by the phone. I checked the caller ID and to my surprise, it was Ken. What the hell, he never calls me during the day. I hope there aren't any more emergencies. I answered the phone and his message was short.

"Your school notes and videos have been sent to your email. See me when you come to work before you go to the boss. I have to find out something but it's not appropriate to talk on the phone," he hangs up before I could say another word.

After having some sleep, I felt better and more energetic but suddenly, the thought of the mysterious man in the hotel flashed my mind after seeing the bank alert of the transfer. Since that night, he has occupied half of my brain but the stupor has been surprisingly low due to the sequel of events since that night but right now, I couldn't stop thinking about him. I have to find a way to see him once again.