Chapter 10

Lillian

   There was no way I'd back down. One thing I hate is being aware of something bad and doing nothing about it. 

     And now this jerk of a boss was too hard-headed to listen to opinions from others.  I had to hold my breath as he cornered me. 

"You're saying that I made a mistake?" His voice was hoarse. I had to turn my face sideways or I would feel his breath on my face. 

"You're not Jesus, Mr Kent. So, yes you made a mistake". I told him.

I could feel the anger emanating from him." If you'll just hear me out maybe you'll understand why you'll get rejected." 

I watched him grit his teeth, struggling to make a decision. "Fine, but if this proves to be a waste of time then you're fired ".

I raised my chin, confident of what I was doing, or at least I thought so.He finally stepped away, returning to his desk. I could finally breathe properly.

  I cleared my throat, placing the iPad right in front of his face. 

" Well, the issue is your product is directed at the wrong audience "  I started. " I know rich people tend to pay more, but considering the country we live in, I think there are less rich people, so if you could make the product available at a lower price to rural areas, then you'll make more sales ". 

  The look he gave me was enough to send me to my grave. "You want me to sell a phone worth 4 million dollars to some poor people?" 

I sighed." Look at it this way . There are 10 rich people and a hundred less rich, right? ". 

"You mean poor?" 

I rolled my eyes " No.. less rich people out there . So you can either sell the phone at 4 million to the 10 rich people and make a total of 40 million or sell the phone at 900,000 and make a total of 90 million ". 

I watched as he contemplated, confident that I just said something meaningful. It was the best strategy because I, for one, could tell there were a lot of average people who wished some gadgets were sold at a lower price. 

"There are more rich people in Jersey". He snarled," And if I sell to 100 rich people, I'll make 400 million ". 

I almost did the face slap. This man was relenting." How about you do a discount for some time, say three weeks ". 

He folded his arms across his chest, eyeing me ." Who's gonna cover the cost, and I still know there are more rich people in this country?"

I'd have to argue with him on that. My whole street and the next was filled with people who barely make 100 dollars a week, including me. 

"Trust me, about 75 per cent is made off average citizens".

He remained quiet for a while, deeply contemplating." If this doesn't work, then you are fired ".

I gave him a small smile ". And if it does ?" 

He shrugged ." Then you remain as my employee".

I wanted to tell him that I should get a reward but I'll keep that till after the presentation.

  The rest of the night was spent typing till my fingers went numb and till I couldn't feel my ass.  Mr. Knet did not even move a muscle throughout, it got me wondering if he doesn't have back or neck aches. 

     But he was hardworking and I admire him for that. 

  It wasn't until 3 pm that I couldn't help it any longer, and I had to succumb to sleep.

   I woke up to Mr Kent tapping my desk; he wore a sore expression on his face. 

  I yawned, stretching my aching limbs. " Good morning". 

" Are you done ?" He asked impatiently.

      He could have at least replied to my greeting." No, I'll be halfway done by today ". I told him, my eyes incredibly heavy. 

" Go home and be back before 10". And just like that he disappeared.

I checked the time on my cell phone. It was freaking seven in the morning; it would take at least two to three house to get home, have a bath, and then make breakfast because I'll have to walk a little to cut the cost of my bus fare. 

I didn't tell him this and just packed my stuff and started my journey. 

  On my way out of the building, I bumped into the guy I met in the graveyard.

" Hey, you look exhausted". He stopped as soon as he saw me.

I smiled. " I am ". 

" Wait don't tell me, he made you work all night?" He grasped. 

Despite the striking resemblance, Aiden had a better demeanour and was nicer than his brother. 

I shrugged." It's my job". 

He began waking me outside. " You've barely worked a week !" 

"It's fine, as long as I get my paycheck. I'll get going now, or I might get back here late ".

 

I had already started walking away as fast as I could, even though my legs felt like noodles; I hadn't eaten dinner. Mr Kent wasn't nice enough to order something, not even for himself ". 

  "Wait, I'll drive you home . You don't look like you'll make it home ". 

My eyes were watery, Aiden was godsent. " I don't think  I will ". 

I waited for him to get his car and hopped in, feeling relieved.

    That's an extra dollar for me, at least I no longer have to worry about food, at least for the next two months.