Chapter 14: Old skirts and men.

KIKI.

“I can do it. I'm allowed to not please everyone. It's okay to have a bad day. I am enough.” I chanted, my eyes closed a bit as I slipped into the crowd from the bus. It was resumption time for me, I had spent just three days out of the suspension I was given before I was summoned back to work.

I adjusted my skirt a bit as I moved with the crowd, ignoring their loud buzzes and heeding my way. To say the least, I was scared. Why did I have to blurt so much? What if Sam had decided to sack me, seeing as he called me back, they must have seen no evidence against him.

I really can't afford for that to happen. There's Jojo and the death trap debt I still have to take care of. What would I do if I lose this Callisto job? I would be ruined.

Panic shot through me and I felt myself begin to move faster in the old heels I had somehow managed to get fixed by the cobbler again. Getting late wouldn't be added to that list today.

I finally arrived at Callisto. My heartbeat increased involuntary and my confidence shrunk suddenly. I couldn't afford to lose this job. It was my lifesaver. But I still had to find out my fate so rather than stand there and mop on my faults, I moved into the large empty room.

Rose sighted me as soon as I stepped in. She started to rush towards me, her face contorted in worry and edged with concern.

“It's okay. I'm fine, I'm good. It's just some stupid suspension. I will just talk to Sam.” I started to blab when she got to me. She hissed, shaking her head at me.

“He's gone.” She finally announced a deadpanned look on her face. I stared at her wondering who she was talking about.

“Who?” I asked, tapping the old heel on the tiled floor in anxiousness. My nerves were still jumpy.

“Sam.” She rolled her eyes at me. “The big boss sacked him after he confirmed all you said.” She explained. My eyes widened and I clamped my hands over my mouth in shock, moving back at her word.

You say what?

Sam was gone cos of me?!

Should I be happy or sad?

It sounded like crap but I couldn't believe it. Yes, the big handsome boss had said they were refurbishing but I didn't think he was going to take my words to heart. Sam was gone, just like that.

I didn't know if I was to feel relieved that the cranky fool was gone or to be saddened at his loss.

I looked up at Rose again. She was smiling at me. Her hands stretched towards me to rub my sides gently in this appreciative gesture. “Thank you for speaking up Kiki.” She added.

“Well, I hope you are happy!” Someone interrupted our moment. I didn't need to look twice to know who it was. The worker of the year.

I hiss, giving her the face. She was glaring hard at me as if she would murder me. If looks could kill, I would probably be six feets under. I was undeterred. I grabbed Rose's hand and attempted to walk away. At least, to lay off my stuff.

“What kind of a person are you? You make a man lose his job! Who knows if he has a family? Sam has a family and now, you have thrown them into the mud with your actions. You just made a little kid's life miserable!” She stopped me, stepping in front of me to speak.

I was taken aback by her words. Who knew she cared? So, it wasn't just about the sex.

“You have made the child's life miserable. He probably wouldn't be able to do the things his or her mates does anymore. Care to know why? Because some sick worker decided to spill lies about him to the big boss knowing fully well that it would cost him his job.” She continued, her voice rising.

Her words stirred something deep in me. It was probably the truth. Sam must have been married. He looked it. And I probably just made a kid's life miserable.

What had I done?

“It wasn't lies and you know it. It is probably the reason you are pained. You are going to miss out on the things you enjoyed when he was still calling the shots. Well, jokes on you, Sarah. He is gone!” Rose spoke up for me, yelling in her face.

“Stick your nose into your damn business Rose.” She snapped, looking irritated. “I wasn't talking to you.” She looked away from Rose to stare at me, her eyes flickering over my wears. I didn't understand what was special in what I had on. But when I saw the disgusting smug look on her face, I got her point.

“This is why you probably would never have anything good to boast of. Just look at you. You can't even fit into our caliber in that trash you call clothes.” She smirked, riling me up.

I stared down at the old black skirt I had found this morning in my closet. I had amended my heels so they were back on my feet. It was probably the best I had worn in years yet Sarah would openly open her mouth and call it shab. I felt my blood rise.

But before I could speak someone barged in catching our attention. It was Leo.

“Can you stop doing that?” Rose yelled.

“Sorry!” He grinned. Then, his eyes darted at me and I watched the grin wipe off his face. He looked scared and concerned all of a sudden. I raised a brow, shooting him the why are you looking at me like that look?

“Kiki, the big boss calls for you.” He let out and I felt myself stiffen.

“B-big boss?” I whispered, my tongue dry. “Which big boss?” I had to ask.

“The same one. The second son of the Callisto’s.” He replied. Rose gripped my hand having let it go earlier. I took a step back, my temperature rising, figuratively. The big boss calls for me?

Was he going to present me with my own sack letter?

Many questions arose in my head.

I looked up on hearing scornful and mocking laughter of Sarah. I had even forgotten that she was still here.

“You are about to get served your own dose of the medicine." She laughed again, clapping her hands excitedly.

“Get lost." Rose sounded horrified yet annoyed.

“It's okay Sarah. He probably just wants to talk to me about all I said earlier." I said trying to convince her and hoping that was the case. I passed her my old bag and adjusted my old wear which caused Sarah to burst into more laughter.

“In your dreams, baby girl." She mocked me. I ignored her and started to walk away. I passed by most of my coworkers. They were gathered together talking in hushed tones. It appeared that they were aware and were scared for me as well.

I was scared for myself too.

I took the elevator to the last floor, the big bosses lounge. I stayed put, rubbing my sweaty nerves and chanting my mantra in my head. He just wants to talk to me about my complaints.

I kept convincing myself of it. At different intervals, some workers got in from different floors. They shot me curious looks, discussing among themselves wondering what a worker like me would be going to do on the top floor. It was easy for them to guess my level since I was dressed in Calisto's sales associate uniform.

I stepped out of the elevator after the long ride, found the Personal assistant's office, and walked up to her.

“Good morning. I'm Kiki and I heard the big boss requested to see me." I told her, trying to keep my voice steady.

She shot me a look of despair, her eyes sizing me up as took up my appearance. She didn't like what she saw cos she looked up at me, glared at me, and hissed in my face. I wasn't bothered since I wasn't here for her. There was no need to explain the condition to a person who has had things easier for her.

“The big boss would have nothing to do with a person like you.” She replied after leaving me in silence to her satisfaction. I smiled and watched her.

“I'm very sure there is no mistake here. You are the boss' PA, you should know that he sent for me. ” I tried to play it her way.

“Didn't you hear me?” She suddenly snapped at me. I took a step back, surprised at her tone. Then the intercom started to buzz. She took the call which I suspected was from the boss. My suspicions were confirmed when I heard the voice tell her to let me in.

Her head shot up towards me, eyeing me deeply, she showed me the way. I passed her a smile, turned around, and went straight for the office.

I got to the deep brown mahogany door, without contemplating, brought my hands over it, and knocked.

“You can come on in, Kiki.” His deep rich voice called out to me from the inside. I gulped, rubbing my sweaty hands.

Well, you are either about to get sacked or worse, arrested, Kiki, but here goes nothing.