Chapter 13

Camilla's POV

Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Why?.... What have I done wrong sir?", I asked trying my best to suppress the tears that threatened to pour down my face any moment. The manager looked at me and said, " Kindly take the letter and leave".

I walked out of the office trying to stop tears from falling. I got to my table and packed up my things. I was going to be jobless, or rather, I was jobless now. I needed money to cater for my self and my son. Jace and some of my other colleagues ran to my side when they saw me packing up. Jace was the first to speak.

"What's the matter?" Others seemed to have the same question on their mind. They glued their eyes on me waiting for an answer. I sniffed and said sadly, "I have been sacked"

"What? When?", another person asked.

" Just this morning "

"Ahhh, it's a pity" said one out of concern.

"What could be the reason?", asked another.

What ever it was they were saying wasn't my concern right now. I went to the human resources department and took my last salary. I returned to the office and took my things which I had already gathered.

" She's going already ", someone sneered behind me. I turned and saw Irene and her two friends; Esther and Louise. Irene was the new employee. She had never liked me It was Esther and Louise who were gossiping about me in the restroom some days ago. Irene continued, " It's nice you are leaving. Bye",she finished and waved at me. Esther and Louise took it up from there.

"You acted like you were better than us all. Now you are gone. As swiftly as you came" , it was Esther.

"Know your place next time…", Louise began but Irene waved at her and she ceased talking. They turned and walked proudly to their various tables. I was surprised. I guessed they had a hand in this. But I was not certain. I took my things and left for good.

I cleaned my tears having cried for so long. My pillow was soaked as well. I had wanted to call Michael and Lisa but they were both at work. I thought about my life for the past four years. I was only a little girl of 19 when all began. I got pregnant for Mr Frost and had to leave due to ridicule. I got a job at Frostbite company and I had to quit because of Mr Frost. I fled to this part of the town because of the same Mr Frost. It seemed all my misfortunes were tied to him. I wondered if the answers were also related to him as well. When it was lunch time, I decided to call Michael and Lisa. I called Lisa first. She picked up almost immediately

" Camilla Camilla!!", came her excited voice over the phone.

"Lisa", I said downcast. She was quick to notice my tone.

" What is the matter?", she asked. Her voice full of concern. I broke down in tears again. I had promised myself to be strong but it seemed I could live up to the promise.

"Cam?" Lisa called again. I continued crying. She let me cry to my fill. When I was done, I heard Michael ask,

"Baby girl, what is it again?".

It turned out that Lisa had added him to the call when I was crying. I finally opened up,

" I just lost my job"

"What?", they asked simultaneously

" When and how", Lisa asked

"I just got to work this morning and a sack letter was handed to me without any explanation".

" How could they do something like this?", she asked further.

"The question should be who is behind it", chipped in Michael.

" Why are you always investigating? No one is behind it. Things just happen at times. You work in a company. And you know things like this happen ", Lisa chided him.

" I know. But I have a feeling that Camilla's case is different "

"Don't scare the poor girl. Let's focus on solution. That's what she needs now"

"That's right", he agreed.

The next thirty seconds was spent in silence. Everyone thinking of how best to salvage the situation. Michael broke the ice.

" I think it's best to go back to town. You will find better jobs there and avoid all those your dark figures too". I agreed with him but Lisa thought differently

"No, don't leave. You can't go back to town. Kelvin will be nearer and will have every opportunity to take your son away from your grasp. You will be bringing the boy closer to him. On a platter of gold. You have lost a job doesn't mean you can't get another. You will definitely find another. It's going to take sometime, but you will. I will always assist you till you get a new job. And I will also see if I can help with a job around here."

We were all silent after that as if we were digesting her point of view. Michael was known for breaking silence. He did so again.

"Lisa and her ever different opinions. Why not let Camilla go and get better life in town? Kelvin might not take that child away just like that. If he wanted to, he would have done that long ago. What if she doesn't get a job here? Lisa was quick to attack him this time.

" Michael, stop being negative. Let's be honest. You have the ability to give her a job if you want to. You just have to put in a few words to some people higher up".

"Emmn… Madam Lisa, don't attack me. We have been talking and have not heard from Camilla. Miss Xanders, can we hear from you please?"

The way he said it made us all burst into laughter. I too laughed. Michael had a way of lightening one's mood.

"Even if it's an interview, it hasn't been this formal", Lisa chipped in admist laughter. Finally, I aired my view.

" Well, I initially agreed with Mike but Lisa has come with hers. Mike, we both know Lisa and her talks".

We both laughed. "Ever different and most times helpful" Mike answered.

"Let's try her this time. Let me wait and see. And moreover, I don't want to stay close to Kelvin. I think I will wait a little more and hope for the best. Michael, Lisa said you give jobs, is it true?"

"Ask Lisa ooo. She's the one that said so"

The once solemn atmosphere was turned lively. I forgot my sorrows and had a nice chat with my siblings from another mother, as they have come to become.