Chapter 2

"Angel, it's time for school"

"Am coming..."

Over the years, my baby has come to look as dazzling as her mother. I don't fail to notice the stares She gets from boys in our neighborhood and at her school.

Like the father bear I am, I protect my Angel from predators.

"Okay we can go now." I heard her call.

"Whoa... wait a Minute, and where do you think you're going in that dress miss?"

"School?" She retorted.

"No way! Go change now!"

"I won't let you give guys opportunities to stare at your assets. I know how much I invested on those."

"Daad...your embarrassing me! I'm ten not thirteen! What asset is there to stare at anyways? Besides, this is what all the popular girls at my school wear. So why is my situation any different?" She asked, not finding anything wrong with her outfit.

"Because I said so. If you must know, ten is not a far stretch from thirteen, especially for someone like you who looks and talk like a thirteen year old. You, better do as you're told before I help you do it."

"Ugh! You're so impossible! I hate you." She screamed.

I felt a sting of pain in my heart at her words. I guess it's because am a loving parent who has to deal with a ten year old.

This stage of her life has been the hardest so far. She just goes into bitch mode and tends to say I hate you a lot when I don't let her have her way. Sometimes, it makes me feel bad, thinking I'm too hard on her but it's a lie. I'm only doing what a father is to do for his child.

"Angel, gosh you're gonna make me late for work." I called out frustrated.

"I could always take the bus you know?" She countered.

"Hell no. You know that's out of the question." I said in a duh tone.

"Okay what about this one?" She asked showing me her new outfit.

I stared at her for some time awestruck.

Dad? Do I have something on ma face?

No, you look hot. I wanted to say but settled with;

"This is not appropriate for school environment. In fact, I don't remember buying you those. Did some boy give you those?"

"Nope, got it from granny last Christmas."

Oh, sure. Trust my mother to do crazy things.

"Well, am sure those are meant for the summer not winter dear."

"But when is it ever sunny around here? It's always cold."

"I won't get to wear this as long we stay in this part of the world." She whined.

"That's the more reason why you should get yourself some warm clothes." I dead panned.

"Okay, fine! Give me some minutes."

"Urg, so much for not being late to work , and school." I stated.

"Dad we both know your boss has a crush on you. She'll let you off the hook."

"You know too much for your own good Missy." I said while smiling.

"Well, thank you. 'Cause, to me, that sounded like a compliment."

"Now, may I be excused? I've got warm clothes to get into."

*******------********

"Morning Mr Westfield.,"

"Morning Clara, how are you?"

"Am fine sir, your presence is needed by Miss Black."

"And would you know the reason behind this urgency?"

"Apart from the fact that you've been late trice this week, what else would she want?" She said in an accusatory tone, which didn't come to me as a surprise. Not many are happy with the fact that a young man like me in his twenty's would come over night and get the favour and attention of the 'Miss Black'. She let's me off the hook a time too many.

"Hmmmm...." Came my reply, as I tried to think of the possible reason I could be summoned for, aside lateness of course.

"I think it's best you go find out."Clara said.

As I make my way towards the elevator, I couldn't stop my self from reminiscing the event that occurred early this morning.

It's no lie that Angel looked breath takingly hot in that summer outfit. I know it's not what every father use as a word of endearment but we can't shy away from the truth. I'm beginning to dread what the future would bring. I would surely have my hands full trying to chase predators away.

I was snapped out of my thoughts by a voice, which after looking closely, I discovered I had been knocking Miss Black's office door.

"Good morning Miss Black,"

"Yes, Mr Westfield,"

"I was told you required my presence, is anything the matter?" I inquired.

"You're late!"she exclaimed

"Uhm... About that, I-"

"Stop right there. I don't need your excuses. This is not your first time, and I'm sure it's definitely not gonna be your last."

"I am indeed sorry Miss Black, it's just so hard to deal with work and Angel all at once."I said, confused about the change in behaviour. We are best friends for crying out loud.

"Oh, really? If that be the case, let me make this easier for you."She said looking me in the eye with a neutral expression. It was difficult to read her.

I took in deep breaths knowing whatever she has to say will not be good.

"You're FIRED"

Time seem to stop at that single statement she made....

"I'm what?" I asked.

"Are you also deaf now Mr Westfield?"

"But Cat, you can't do this to me, you know I need this job for mother, for Angel..."I said trying to make sense of this situation.

"You should have thought of that before taking this said JOB for granted!"

"I, I thought we were friends? Thought you loved Angel?" I asked defeated. Feeling betrayed.

"I do! But I love my job!"

"Cat, you told me not to worry about a thing. Said my coming late didn't matter as long as I don't miss work or slack off. Why, why the sudden change?" I inquired.

"I know I said all those things. But I realised that showing favoritism to one person is not a good business ethics. Besides, saying 'lateness isn't a problem' doesn't mean you are allowed to turn lateness to a hobby. You were consecutively late trice this week. That can't be over looked." She told me.

"I know I have been quite unprofessional, but that doesn't mean I'm taking advantage of your kindness or our friendship. Fine, I did wrong, punish me accordingly. Take away my allowances, withold my promotion for as long as you deem fit, give me a query to answer, at worst suspension, but don't fire me. I pleaded.

"You can't dictate what sanction I am to give and how to give it Jack, my word is final." She stated.

"Please....." I begged desperately.

"Mr Westfield, I would suggest that you leave my office this instant."

"I-"I began.

"Leave!" She exclaimed angrily.

"With sagged shoulders, I made my way towards the door defeated."

"Perhaps, there is a solution..." I heard her draw from the back of me.

I stopped in my tracks and listened. Hope eminent.

I heard her get up from her sit. The clicking of heels on the tiled floor made me aware she was heading my direction. I didn't face her still, I just waited.

"Jack....she said in an annoying tone trying to be seductive."

Nothing....I said nothing

"If you accept my proposal, things doesn't have to end this way..." She continued...

Oh man, this ain't looking good...