Chapter 5: JOB WELL DONE

Raven's point of view

"Cheers! to a successful day. Finally, we are employed at TEMPO, so we will be wearing this uniform starting on Monday," Lexi exclaimed as she flexed her uniform in front of me and Neri.

They are both excited amd I van see it in theor eyes.. while I was nervous and uneasy.. 

Neri smiled at me quietly. She knows how much Lexi enjoyed working at TEMPO. Who wouldn't, after all? It is the largest automobile manufacturer and, in fact, the best option for any wealthy individual.

"Can you imagine how your life will be if you ever give Axel a chance in your heart? You will be a queen, and you will live life to the fullest. Every girls will look up in you and do everything just to please you..— If I were you, I would start planning how you will break up with Zeb. We can help you if you want," Lexi said seriously.

"Lexi, will you please stop? That was so awkward! Please be sensitive to how Raven would feel! We hired there to work for our assigned job and not to flirt with the boss, okay.?" It was Neri who was embarrassed by Lexi's remarks about me and Zeb in particular.

I knew she was just trying to wake me up with things I needed to do. She's my friend, and I can tell she always wanted the best for me, but maybe I was just blinded by Zeb's love.

"I was just trying to be the real me. I was just trying to be frank, and being one of Raven's true friends, I will tell her what I want, and basically, I don't like Zeb's plans. I don't like his lifestyle. He's so deep. He's making decisions on his own without even consulting anyone or asking what Raven want to do with her life, or theor life of je considers Raven to be a part of his life..his future.." Lexi said staring at me.. 

"I understand, but..."

"Enough! Okay? You're both my friends, and I understand your concerns," I said, raising my hands to stop them arguing. I don't want to be the source of their confusion or the cause of it. One of them is concerned about me. Lexi is concerned with my future, whereas Neri is concerned with my feelings and preferences; both are important, and the decision is mine. I am the final authority.

Lexi rolled her eyes as she sat back down. She drank her tea while staring at me.

"Lexi, I appreciate how you care for me, I know you were just thinking about the future, and it touched me, but Zeb is my boyfriend, and I love him. I met him just like that, and I loved him, even though I was aware of his family background and lifestyle. What can I do if that's their source of income? Anyway, it's still descent."

"So you were trying to say that you don't want changes? I mean, will you just let him grow old in that place without exploring what he can do more? Raven, it's not about Zeb at all. It's about his way of livibg. Yes, I know how much he loves you, but that's not the point here anymore. What I am trying to say is that at least he will find ways to change his lifestyle. I mean, find."

"I understand what you were trying to say."

"Yet you don't care, do you?" She smirked at me. "What were you thinking, Raven? Just the happy moments after marriage? Those sweet thoughts, hugs, and kisses? Making love all night, and then what? when you get pregnant and you aren't even financially ready for the future then what?. I'm not saying it's all about money, but may I just remind you that most families break up because the partner isn't financially stable and they run into problems and some just look for another man or womn who could sustain theor needs..! "

I gave them both a friendly smile. They've grown up so much.

"And what's funny?" Neri asked, apparently offended by my reaction.

"Well, I'm just happy to hear your thoughts, I mean, I can see how the two of you have matured, and I am so happy to see it. I can feel that you are both completely grown up, and I must say that people really changed," I said as I smiled at them.

Neri returned my smile, while Lexi just gave me a crazy smile.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to Zeb again and persuade him to apply for a job. It's just that I'm not sure what his plans are... and maybe it's time for me to find out and ask him about them." I smiled at them both.

"In a relationship, partners should be open to everything, especially your future plans, unless you don't intend to stick together as you grow older," Lexi said.

She had a valid point. What if Zeb was just having fun with me? How would it be if he was just having fun with me and had no intention of marrying me? How would you know if he was making plans with someone else?

"What made you become so serious now?"

"Nothing, Lexi. I was just thinking about our first day next week, you know."

"Is that so? Or were you just wondering how Zeb will react once he finds out you'll be working at TEMPO, his rival company? Don't dare choose him over your job, Raven, if that happens, then I assure you that no good future awaits you," Lexi said.

"Zeb won't do that, Lexi. I know he loves me, and he has always been professional; it's just a part of my job, and it just so happens that TEMPO pays well. I know he will go to understand... believe me." I smiled at both of them.

Neri is almost back, as usual, but Lexi is skeptical.

"Speaking of..."

Neri gave me a look. When I turned around, I saw Zeb approaching us. I'm confident he'll show up to take me home as promised.

"Hello, love... how are you?"

I was about to respond to him when Lexi interrupted me.

"We are hired.. So congratulate us because we are already employees at TEMPO. Well, I know it's not your first time hearing it.." Lexi said it sounded deliberate.

"TEMPO, Axel's company?" she asked slowly.

"You're right, and if I were you, I'd think of something that will help my friend's future."

"Lexi!"

"It's okay.. congratulations, love, I'm so proud of you," Zeb said, kissing me on the cheek.

He appeared to be happy, but I was not convinced, and I was correct.