Bitter(chapter 18)
Though Jennie was tired and didn't feel like attending the party she decided to go,her boss was right being there for your co-workers it will improve your relationships.Mrs Johnson didn't know that her co-workers were planning to suprise her,she had lost her husband and son.She was in her office looking at her family photo,tears flowed down her cheeks,she did miss them,she carresed the photo with longing and sadness."I miss you" she said wiping her tears,she didn't plan to celebrate her birthday because it will remind her of her loss,they had always celebrated her birthday but they were no more,she felt lonely.
Mrs Johnson was planning to leave after work when one of the employee stopped her,"Mrs Johnson sir Lucas said you should go to serene garden there are clients he wants you to meet".She was shocked by the news,she never meet the company's clients since that wasn't part of her job but since it was the boss's order she had to."Okay" she said and left,she wondered why her boss wanted her to meet the clients.Alot of people were at serene's garden everything was put in place,it was beautifully decorated,one look and you could tell there was a celebration.They had booked the entire garden,each of them had contributed money for the grand celebration.Jennie sat at the back bench with few other employees,they were waiting for Mrs Johnson."She is coming be ready" said Salima one of the employees.Mrs Johnson was heading towards the garden but was surprised to not see anyone,she walked quickly hoping she wasn't late and the clients had left it so quite that she grew anxious.
She reached the garden and was surprised,this was unexpected."What are you guys doing here?"she asked confused,"happy birthday Mrs Johnson" they all said together.Tears formed in her eyes "how did you know today was my birthday?" she asked in a shaky voice."Did you think you will celebrate your birthday all alone?,we know you have been going through alot,we all wanted to tell you that you aren't alone,we even brought you gifts" said Anna.Mrs Jonson could stop her tears she was touched by their kind gesture, though her family wasn't here she knew that her co-workers cared for her."Don't cry it's your birthday you should be happy" said one of the employees.Mrs Jonson laughed a few of the employees gave her a warm hug and congratulated her for her 45th birthday.
"Bring the cake" said one of the employees,a huge cake was brought,Anna light the candle and called her to blow it,they sang her a birthday song,Mrs Johnson blew the candle and made a wish, everyone clapped happily,one by one she feed them the cake,drinks were served there was a happy song playing and some of them danced while others watched and chatted happily.It was indeed a happy and lively party,those who had gifts gave her their gifts, Mrs Johnson was really happy and grateful,she forgot about her pain and enjoyed herself to the fullest.The party was going on smoothly when Mr Lucas walked in, everyone grew tense and stopped what they were doing,they all became quite,he was surprised was he that scary he wondered."Welcome sir" said mrs Johnson,"thanks,happy birthday" he wished.Mrs Johnson smiled and thanked him,"why did you all stop,please continue don't mind me,we aren't at work so enjoy yourselves,you are free to do what you want here" he said loudly.Everyone nodded and continued doing what they were doing though they did it carefully so as not to offend him.
Jennie sat holding a glass of juice,she didn't like noisy places but she endured,she felt tired but didn't want to leave halfway."Hello there" greeted a young handsome man,she was startled "hi" she replied,"I'm Stephen but you can call me Steve I work at the accounting department" he introduced.Jennie smiled politely "I'm Jennifer,secretary" she said, "may I sit next to you?" he asked politely."Sure" replied Jennie she was already bored she won't mind having some company,"do you enjoy working at the company?" he asked,Jennie nodded."I know you're CEO's secretary so it must be hard for you,he is very strict but don't worry you will get used to it, I've seen how hard working you are" he complimented.Jennie smiled "it's okay,don't worry I can manage","but why are you always alone don't you like other employees,have they been rude to you" he asked.Jennie shook her head "no,I just prefer to be alone".Ooh okay I understand,but sometimes it's good to get to know people you never know when you need them,"he said,Jennie looked at him but didn't say anything."Sorry for overstepping,I shouldn't tell you what to do" he apologized,"it's okay" she replied."Could you tell me about Mrs Johnson,seems everyone likes her"."Yeah they do,she is one of the best employees in the company,when there is a conflict between employees she tries her best to solve it without being biased,she is very caring and understanding,she makes sure no one is bullied or treated unfairly,she is also very friendly, that's why everyone likes her,even the CEO appreciate her" he explained Jennie nodded her head in agreement,when she was showing her around the company she had told her if she ever faced any difficulty she should tell her,she promised that she would help,she was indeed a good human being.They continued chatting but they didn't notice that someone was watching them.
Lucas took another glass of whiskey and gulped it all,he was sitting alone,seems everyone was so scared of him that they didn't even approach him for a talk but that wasn't what bothered him.He watched as Jennie chatted with that man,he didn't even know his name, whenever he saw Jennie smile after he said something,he felt bitter and angry but he didn't know why,all he knew is that he hated that man.Jennie was busy laughing at Steve's jokes,she didn't know someone was not happy about it,as Lucas watched them laugh and talk his bitterness increased.He was so busy watching them and gulping alcohol like it was a juice that he didn't notice that some of the employees were looking at him terrified,his eyes had a murderous look,his face was cold and his eyebrows furrowed."What's wrong with boss?" asked one of the female employees,"he looks like he is about to murder someone" they felt a shiver run down their spines."Did we do something wrong?"asked one of the male employees,"maybe you know how he hates parties,maybe that's why,he is unpleased,but he seems to be looking at Mrs Louis and Steve" replied one of the employees."Maybe they have done something wrong, poor them they will face his wrath,he seems so angry" said one of the employees "look how he is staring at them,if looks could kill they will be already dead".
Steve was making funny jokes while Jennie laughed at his lame jokes,for sometime he had felt eyes staring at him intently,he couldn't help but be bothered, though he couldn't see who was staring at him,he couldn't help but shiver,he slowly turned and faced the person staring at him.He was shocked to know it was his boss,he gulped and turned to face the other side ,did I offend boss why was he staring at me like that,he wondered.He grew so tense that even Jennie noticed,"what's wrong?" she asked concerned,"nothing I'll go to the bathroom talk later" he said and left.Jennie was surprised what's wrong with him,he seemed scared,she thought.Another male approached her,"hello I'm Samuel,nice to meet you" he introduced, Jennie smiled "I'm Jennifer" she replied.After seeing this Lucas couldn't control his anger he stood up and headed to where Mrs Johnson was."The party was good,I'll send you my gift later,I'm leaving I have something to do" he said and left,Mrs Johnson felt that something was wrong with his boss he seemed very angry but she didn't know why.After talking for a while with Samuel he excused himself and left.
The party was over and everyone left, Lucas sat on the couch in his villa,he kept clicking his tongue in annoyance."What's wrong I thought you said you will be at a party" said Chris his best friend,he sat there holding a glass of whiskey,the whiskey bottle was half drank by Lucas."Nothing I'm just angry" he replied,"why?did someone offend you?" he asked,"who has the guts to do something wrong to me, doesn't he fear death?" he said coldly.Chris sighed "Oooh that's true,no one can dare to offend you,then tell me what's bothering you,you called me here for a drink I deserve to know what's bothering you, I'm your friend I'll help you"."You can't help,just keep quite and drink with me or leave" he said,"is it a woman?,cause I don't think you're bothered about work and no one has the ability to make you so restless,this is my first time seeing you like this?" Chris asked .Lucas looked at him coldly "watch your tongue Chris!,do I look like someone to be bothered by a woman,just leave if you are here to talk nonsense"."Sorry,why are you so angry at me I just asked you as a concerned friend" he said acting concerned,he grew up with Lucas and he could guess what was bothering him,if it was about work he won't be so restless,the problem was he won't admit it.Lucas didn't reply,he gulped the whole whiskey in his glass,he didn't know why he was so bitter,he felt angry and restless for no reason,this was unlike him.Deep down he well knew what was bothering but he couldn't admit it,he wasn't ready and will never admit that he was jealous,a woman had managed to affect him so much.