She got hold of herself as she walked into her small restaurant. With her heart beating so fast that she thought it would burst. Most of her colleagues focused their eyes on her, which was a bit embarrassing and scary. She could only imagine what their boss had been saying about her. And just as she got closer, Betty signed her to go to their boss's office. And from outside, she could hear a yelling voice. The voice was so threatening, and she swallowed hard.
She stood at the door for a few minutes and then, summoning the courage to face her boss.
She stood in front of the office and was about to go in when Nico came out, looking very exhausted. His eyes were all in, and it seemed like he didn't eat anything since morning.
“What's the problem? You look more horrible than I. Did something happen to you too?” Mia asked as fear of the unknown crawled into her mind. She didn't know what to expect. Everything seems so strange to her.
“Mr. Bulk is in rage right now because of you. I tried to calm him down, but instead, he threatened to reduce my payment. I have been in his office for the pass twenty minutes, begging him but, he won't listen to anything I say.” And hearing that, Mia's legs got weaker to carry her weight. Her heart beat increased as the real fear overwhelmed her. It was as though she had been clothed. She wished nothing would happen.
What was she going to do? How was she going to defend herself? Though she had good reasons but at that point, she lacked ways on how to tell him. That her father attacked her brother?
Mr. Bulk is the worst boss she ever worked for in terms of having a hot temper. He is a bit of a mental person. Takes things severe and could do anything to ruin or stop anyone. She has been avoiding anything that would upset him and today, it turned out different.
She is finished!
“Did you manage to…” Nico didn't even let her finish the questions.
“I must confess, that man is really… You know!” She said, “Instead, he is threatening again. I need to get paid, and I don't know what to do anymore.” He added.
Mia knew it, even if Nico wasn't specific about it. So, she took in a deep breath and exhaled like a soldier, getting ready for battle. And as she approached the door, she said a very short prayer to survive, whatever the outcome might be.
As soon as the door opened, Mr. Bulk eyes and that of Mia met. She was the first to look away and as she shut the door, he began talking too harshly, as usual..
“So Miss or Mrs. Mia, what exactly happened? Can you kindly tell me what the time is now? Do you think I'm a jobless man? Oh, you think I would just sit here all day waiting for you? Don't you know that time waits for no man? I thought by now you should have known the kind of person I am, that I don't joke with my time. Time is my money and I don't play with that.” He sighs as he bombed questions at her, not minding if Mia was already sad or something. She was even yet to open her mouth.
Mai swallowed hard while trying to cool her mind down. Fear gripped her, and she avoided looking him in the eyes.
“Sir, please do not take it that way. I really…” He interrupted frowning.
“I should do what then? Congratulate you or what for coming late?” He asked, hitting his hand on the desk.
“I had personal issues that took my time. I am so sorry for the inconvenience. Never meant to upset you. You of all should know how i work, sir. It was really a personal issue.” Mia tried to explain.
Seeing the look Mia had, he stopped talking, “You are fired. Leave my office. I already put on a written note for a replacement… One of the stuffs is doing your work as we speak. By tomorrow, I will get a replacement. I have no business with you.” He said, looking so serious.
“Sir, I really need this job. Please sir.” She begged, going down on her knees.
The job was the only thing that gave her hope. She fed her brother and sorted their bills and other issues. She wouldn't afford to lose it.
“You would have thought of that before coming by this time for work. You say personal issues. Do you not know I am a family man and have issues too? You are not married, and you say personal issues?” He yelled back at her.
Lola didn't utter a word. She, instead, raised her head and gave him a fake bold smile. She wasn't going to get sympathy from her boss because of her thoughtless action, was she? He might look at her as cheap and a woman who uses emotions to win over whatever she needs. She was still lost in thought of what to say when she heard him speak.
Truly, she has heard rumors about him. Many said he has been married to four different women because of his behaviors. The first wife even left the country with their children. So, indeed, he had countless issues.
“I'm so sorry, sir!” She said, and got back on her feet.
She held her tears and left the office. She struggled to walk up to the counter.
“Hey girl, how did it go? What did he say? Did he forgive you?” One of the girls asked.
Betty hurried to her side, scanning her face, “What did he say? He dismissed you?” She asked.
Mia nodded as tears rolled down her chin. She wanted to talk, but there was a sharp pain felt. She might choke if dared to talk.
Some customers looked in their direction, and Betty didn't like that.
“Come with me… We are getting attention.” Mia looked up to see. She followed Betty to the backyard. And that was when the real cry started.
She hugged Betty tight while crying. Betty is like an elder sister to her. So, it felt so warm having a shoulder to cry on.
“It wasn't my fault. I didn't mean to come late or oversleep!” She lamented while crying.