8. TROUBLEMAKER

PETALS’ POV

I didn’t know why the gym instructor decided to be my curse mate but I was glad that at least, I would have someone who can badmouth that spoilt rich brat with me. I didn’t notice how late it was until I got home and decided to cook something since I didn’t eat all day.

 After having a great sleep all weekend and studying like crazy, I resumed work the following week with my head high. I decided to reintroduce myself and also get to know my team members because if I would be the team leader then I need the cooperation of my coworkers.

I had gotten to the office before most of them and prepared everything I would be saying but as soon as I saw them coming in and giggling with Tina, I knew there would be a problem.

“Good morning everyone, I am sorry for not being able to introduce myself properly. I am Team leader Petals Ruy. I look forward to working with you and also we will be having a team meeting in the next two hours so please prepare ahead” I announced and waited for a response but none came.

Instead of giving me an answer, they continued their discussion with Tina and left me there looking like a fool but I didn’t let it get to me, I already announced what I wanted to pass across so it’s left to them to work towards it.

As soon as I had my seat, I heard Tina telling Bea “Please get ready for the site check in the next two hours. We have to go today” and Bea immediately replied “I will do that ma’am”

I was so puzzled at what just happened and couldn’t bear it so I had to counter Tina for taking my team member without my permission.

“I believe I just announced a meeting at that exact time ma’am” I protested and Tina turned to look at me

“What should I do about that?” she asked unremorsefully

I was flabbergasted. Was she actually asking what she should do about that?

“You have to either postpone your outing or adjust the time” I responded firmly and she folded her arms before suddenly bursting into a laugh that made me wonder if I said anything funny.

“She should have told me that she has a meeting when I made the proposal. The fault lies with your team member and not me” she stated and I was left speechless.

How could she be shameless? She was showing it to my face that I didn’t have the support of my team members and I hated to admit it but she was right.

“Good then, the meeting has been canceled and we will be scheduling it for another” I declared and she rolled her eyes

“I doubt it will hold another day” she mocked and I scoffed

“Worry about yourself. I will worry about myself” I attacked and everyone gasped at my statement but I didn’t care, I just walked out of the room with my head high before I went to break down in the bathroom.

I didn’t know where those words were coming from but I knew I had dipped myself in trouble. I shouldn’t have attacked her that way, I was supposed to make friends with her so the team members could naturally be on my side.

“Let’s be reasonable” I warned myself repeatedly before leaving for my desk.

On getting to the office, I found out that all my team members were gone without notice and we had to submit the broadcast article to the boss in the next two hours.

“This mean b!tches” I cursed out as I rummaged through their desks to see if they were done with the works only for me to see the works on their screens, done halfway.

I didn’t waste any time before sitting at their desks and completing the works myself. I have never thanked the heavens for making me work like a horse at my former job but I was extremely grateful at that moment.

The speed at which I typed away and jumped from one computer to the other was crazy. I was able to meet up and submitted it on time before focusing on the other jobs I had. They came back from wherever they went to with Tina giggling and discussing loudly about how they enjoyed themselves.

I ignored them and didn’t challenge them like they thought I would. I noticed their discomfort about if I did the work myself or not all day but I didn’t make mention of it and just focused on my work before going to the cafeteria for a break.

The week went by with me shouldering all the works that were supposed to be for the entire team. They all felt bad at first but they didn’t care after a few days and I didn’t react to their behavior. By the time it was weekend, I was aching all over due to the intense workload so I decided to party with my friends after visiting the gym to have a cursing session and some exercise.

“Are you here for some badmouthing session or exercise?” Ray asked me when he saw me that morning and the question made me chuckle for a bit.

It was funny how he didn’t forget about him promising me to be my cursing mate and I found that cute.

“I think I want to sweat the problems out today” I answered and he nodded

He trained me for close to two hours and the stress was indeed relieved. I felt better than I had thought.

“Are you sure you don’t need any cursing session too?” he asked again, handing over a bottle of cold water to me

“Should we?” I giggled before my phone rang and I saw Mei calling.

She didn’t come home yesterday and I was not bothered since that was not her first time of staying home on Friday nights.

“Are you back?” I asked as soon as I picked the call but a strange voice responded

“Am I speaking with Miss Mei’s family?” the voice questioned and I responded that I was her family

“She’s currently at the police station so please come over” the voice declared and before I could say anything else, the call was disconnected.

I had forgotten that the machine was in front of me and just ran it over, only for me to fly forward and landed myself on the floor.

“Oh my goodness, are you okay?” he rushed to me and helped me up but my leg was bleeding a bit

“Let me get you a first aid treatment” he declared and rushed to get it before I could even say anything.

After applying the first aid, he made sure I spill what happened and where I was heading for me to get wounded.

“Can you please take me to the police station? I have to see my sister” I finally confessed and he drove me there without asking any further question

Mei was accused of causing a scene in the club with her other friends but they were finally released when we settled amicably with the guy that pressed charges thanks to Ray.

“Did I not tell you not to hang out with them anymore? Why are you even in the club in the first place?” I lashed out at her angrily in front of Ray who had even forgotten was there

“Why are you lashing out me when you don’t even know what happened! I was only trying to make money when those sick bastards tried to take advantage of me” she yelled back and I stopped for a second

“Tried to take advantage of you?” I questioned, tilting my head

“He was touching me inappropriately and I didn’t want it. I am only there to sell drinks and not to be touched” she almost cried and I lost it.

I rushed toward the guy who was laughing with his other friend but both Mei and Ray were quick to hold me back

“Why are you stopping me from dealing with those sick weirdoes?” I screamed

Mei slapped my back and shouted “Do you want to get yourself locked up? I don’t have the money for your bail!” and my bones relaxed at her statement

We didn’t have any money for settlement truly.

Ray dropped us off at home and thanked him for his help. “I will pay it up someday” I said to him and he blushed that it was okay before leaving.

After making sure Mei ate and was okay, I finally left for the party with Monica and Irene so I could at least take a break for the weekend. The week was one of the worst I had in a while.