FOURTEEN

DAMON

My mother was glad to hear I had gotten a job at TIANOR. Of course, I didn't tell her about the other one, but it gladdened me to see her so happy.

As she smiled graciously, prayers wouldn't stop falling from her lips. When I left her house the previous night, I told her I would come later to show her my employee card.

Truthfully, I can't wait to see it myself either.

For so many nights I dreamt about having one. Ever since my online photography business failed, I decided to cling to my original plan of working for a company.

I applied to so many companies and each time I was rejected, I wondered if that was how my life would continue to be.

Even when I managed to find a job at the sweet factory, I wondered the same.

It bummed me that my life wasn't moving at all. I was just there, living like I was being forced to do so.

So, now that I will be getting an employee card, I will stare at it and be more than certain that my life was no longer stagnant. Perhaps for once, life would be fun for me.

Perhaps, it wouldn't be a tough chore to wake up every morning.

Perhaps, I won't do things that didn't make me happy.

Speaking of the sweet factory...

I was presently walking towards Linda's office, my resignation letter in my hold.

As I walked towards the floor where I used to work, I noticed how people's eyes stayed glued on me.

Even the employees that always threw me dirty looks for some reason stared at me with awe.

I guess the suit Miss Selena picked was doing a great job. I did think I looked good in it when I put it on.

I was almost at Linda's office when I decided to detour and drop the letter first. Mr. Hands' office was at the far end of that floor. It was quite a journey from Linda's office.

But, this time I didn't complain about the distance. I was enjoying the gazes I was getting from people as I walked. It amused me greatly because I can never forget how most of them gossiped about me. Linda confirmed this when she took me out for lunch.

So yes, I enjoyed how they couldn't take their eyes off me at that moment.

I have earned myself a befitting departure. And, it is thanks to Miss Selena, my new boss.

I soon pocketed my other hand into the sleekness of my black suit trousers and continued to take majestic steps.

I met Mr. Hands' secretary once I stepped into the office.

"Is Mr. Hands around?"

"Uh?" She looked dazed. It was confusing because I was beginning to find the reaction too excessive.

"Mr. Hands..."

"He is not in. Do you want to-"

I cut her words short.

"I see. I will leave the letter here then. Apologies for the hastiness but I need to leave this hell dump as soon as possible."

She giggled like I said something funny. Cautiously, I watched her face as I handed her the letter in my hand.

"Mr. Jones..." As she looked up at me, I recalled that Linda mentioned Mr. Hands' secretary was a pro when it came to spinning terrible stories about me during their regular gossip hour.

I instantly felt annoyed and I walked out of the place before I would do something I'd regret.

Soon, after urging myself to ignore the dubious people who were looking at me like we were friends, I made it to Linda's.

"Hey, Lin."

She was so focused on her work. But, as soon as she raised her head, she screamed, "Oh my God!"

She got down from her seat and walked to me, surprise all over her face.

"Oh my God! What happened to you? You look like a goddamn model. Look at your hair!" She held my head and titled it. "It looks so sleek, especially with the gel. Damn, dude!"

She took a step back and dramatically admired me from head to toe.

" You look H.O.T."

Yes, I did my hair. It felt good to walk into a hair salon for a change.

I smiled as she continued complimenting my look. She touched my suit and as she swore it was an expensive suit, she asked,

"How did this happen? Did a fairy Godfather visit you overnight? Did you lose your virginity to a fucking rich woman? "

Her excitement was something else.

"L... Lin... Wait..." I removed her hands from my suit as she was so focused on the type of fabric it was. Holding her cheeks, I made her look at me.

Then, I said, "Linda, I got a job at TIANOR. And, I have always had this suit." She gave me a confused look. "I got a job at TIANOR," I repeated and punctuated my sentence with a wide smile.

Linda opened her mouth to talk, but closed it immediately. But her eyes said it all.

'I can't believe you finally got a job! I am so happy for you!' I believe that is what she would have said.

"I am going to miss you," she said with remorse after seconds of silence passed. My eyes darted toward the wall as the growing tears in her eyes were about to get to me.

"Oh Lin. . ." I soon engulfed her in a big hug. I stroked her red hair whose dye was washing off, exposing bits of her natural black hair.

"I am going to miss you too."

As she took a step back, I smiled.

Linda had been my rock in the company. She made me laugh even when life made me sad.

She never stopped encouraging me to search for job opportunities.

For that, I am so grateful to her.

Funny enough, she hardly knew me when I started working in the company. But we both grew a bond; a very good bond. And five months with her have been wonderful.

As I held her hands, I said, "Thank you so much for everything, Linda. I'll come to visit you sometime. I don't know when, but I will."

After another round of goodbyes, I left her office and I left the company for good.

Goodbye to that annoying aspect of my life.

Soon, I stopped a taxi and started a new journey to TIANOR.

Several minutes later, the very tall and huge TIANOR building came into sight. After paying my fare and getting off the taxi, I took some seconds to stare at the building.

Honestly, it felt good to look at the very structure that marks a new beginning in my once terrible life.

With a smile on my lips, I made for the entrance. But, I was soon stopped by a woman who looked like Camilla.

It wasn't her but I couldn't help but wonder what kind of punishment would come with her two-week suspension.

"The boss needs you in her office," the woman said, her eyes squinted because of the rising sun.

I followed her and within minutes we were in front of the door... or wall.

"Thank goodness you are here," Selena's voice welcomed us. "Damon, you have a mission in an hour."