HUMMING ROSE - Episode 4

 

A young man in his late twenties; Light skinned, clean shaven save for a little beard. His cologne filled the air as he stood talking to the secretary. His blue long sleeve shirt was well ironed judging from the thin lines, he had suspender trousers on and black ankle boots to match. Everything he wore was totally expensive. He had coffee brown eyes, a pointed nose and full pink lips . From his shirt folded at his elbow, I could see how hairy he was, complimenting his fair skin. He was quite tall. I was lost in thoughts when he snapped his fingers on my face.

"Hey yes, I would love to. Thanks" was all I could say. 

"I'm George, Operations department" he said stretching out his arm for a handshake. 

"Yes, I know. I'm Thelma, customer service department"I responded with a smile. 

I couldn't believe I was having this conversation. I had always seen him around since I started working and the first day I did, I was startled, weird emotions and indescribable feelings clouded me. I've never really been opportuned to get close until I bumped into him today. I've always known how people showed him much respect, how everyone obeyed him at any slightest instruction and how calm and humble he had remained despite all. He was a friendly guy but was a loner

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/humming-rose

. For the many times I came across him, he was either on airpods, earpiece or headgears. A music freak; I guessed. Truth be told, I crushed on him from afar but today, I got to talk to the George every single girl crushed on! Butterflies!

He collected the documents from the secretary and beckoned on me to follow him into the managers office. I followed him immediately eyeing the secretary mischievously.

The manager adjusted his eye glass and started going through the photocopies without even noticing my presence. We both sat opposite him, looking at him and almost immediately, he spoke

"here, take these. I think I would rather sign them tomorrow. Your HOD has to stamp it first". 

George thanked him as he collected the papers, turned around, winked at me then left the room. If not for home training, I would have let out a loud happy sound. I was smitten, people!

"He wasn't even the HOD, why the whole respect though?" I thought to myself.

The manager looked up at me and handed me a file. "Here, go through this and get back to me before 10 o' clock tomorrow". Without asking, I just nodded ,stood up, collected the file and was about to go when he started talking.

"You are a very beautiful girl, Thelma but what you did earlier today was punishable. I forgive the both of you and I already torn your queries." He stood up, turned around and faced his window as he continued.

"You have to be more focused and responsible if you are going to last here. I do not tell everyone this, but you have to put an extra effort to make a headway in this environment. Promotions do not come easy here, this place is literally a battle ground and you can't get to that height with the way you're going. I really do not want you in a mess so, brace up young girl!" His last words got my head spinning. He talked in types and I couldn't comprehend all. 

"Thank you so much sir. I really appreciate this" was all I could say. He just nodded.

I turned around and was walking towards the door when I heard a loud thud. I looked back and there he was on the ground. My manager just fainted!

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I slumped into my bed as soon as I opened my door. I had a really long day, my legs were hurting so we're my eyes. I opened my drawer, took out some pain relief tablets when I heard a knock.

"Come in" I said. 

"Hey doodlebug" he said as he jumped unto my bed. 

Bryan, my baby brother was a sweet little boy. He was just ten years old and the baby of the house. He had a robust look, chocolate complexion and a fat face. A very playful boy, always happy and cheerful. His robust look and smartness was what I loved most about him. Mom calls him 'her treasure' because he came after a long wait. The apple of our eyes.

"Hey, step out of my bed big bear" I said playfully as he flung his arms around me giving me a peck. 

I took my drugs and stood up.

" Hey baby, I'm so weak, I had a crazy day at work and I need to go take my bath now. Promise you'll be a good boy" he just nodded.

I took out my laptop and started his favorite video game. He laughed heartily.

"Yeah princess, I love you." I smiled back.

I walked lazily to the bathroom taking my towel, face wash and shower gel. I had barely started bathing when I heard a knock on my bathroom door, it was Bryan, no doubt.

"Baby bear, what is it?" I asked.

"Aunt Stephanie said I should ask if you would eat already?" He replied.

"Aunt Steph? The cook? When did she resume? Was she better now?" I thought

"No baby, I'm not hungry. Tell her to get me just a cup of milk, okay?"

"Okay princess" he chuckled.

I stepped out of the bathroom, wore my pyjamas, jumped on my bed. I felt like sleeping off immediately when I remembered the files.

"Oh my goodness!" I exclaimed.

I hurriedly opened it, brought out the papers as I scanned through them. I had barely started when I let out a loud cry! Baby Bryan was a bit startled but I cared less; I stood up and started dancing. I hugged my brother so tightly,

"I will be going to Abuja for a conference and I'm to represent my department there" I said breathlessly.

I leapt for joy. I was just meant to sign and return them tomorrow morning just as I was earlier instructed and without blinking an eyelid, I signed all! That was when I remembered my father. 

I wore my flip flops and started upstairs to his room. I knocked and coincidentally, Aunt Steph was on her way out. We exchanged pleasantries as I barged into the room. My dad was seated at one end of the room in front of his laptop and I couldn't even tell what he was doing. I greeted my mom cheerfully and without even a smile, I handed him the files. 

He made a stern look at me and collected them reluctantly. Mom was busy with the television and I was happy she wasn't even talking yet seeing the drama unfolding before her. He went through the papers and raised his eye glass, "You are not going anywhere!" I expected just that!

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Okay guys, comments please. What do you think about this episode. Will Thelma heed to her father's decision? What happened to her manager? Lets go!