Chapter 8 One and Only

"So that’s why you’ve been acting weird! So you do know him-Oh My God you even slept-" I placed both of my hands over her loud mouth.

"Shh!! Are you planning to expose me right after I just told you?"

She looks at me up and down in disbelief. I kind of expected this reaction, so I was also quite prepared to stop her from exploding her emotions in the public eye. I couldn’t blame her; this situation was really not something that you’d expect from reality.

It sounds absurd to even say I knew Raphael.

She calmly removes my hand with her eyes wide open, "Bitch, do you know what this means?"

"I'll get... fired?"

"No! You're going to be Mrs. Hughes!"

I slapped my forehead in frustration. My best friend had really watched too many soap operas that it shows. I shook my head towards her response and took her car key out of her pocket. I just gave up at that point, and reached for my things at the back of her car. But she didn’t stop with her ramblings.

"You got his seed right? If that baby comes out, then you’d be Mrs. Hughes! No questions asked! Not even his parents or anyone else could stop you. Just imagine the countless opportunities that will be raining down on you!"

I closed the car door.

"Stop it, Emily, have you forgotten why I even slept with him?"

She groans in dismay, "To be a single mother? Come on, Abby! He’s a billionaire! He literally owns everything you see around us. It doesn’t make sense for you not to take this opportunity!"

"That’s just taking advantage of him, and I would never be like that just because of money."

"Fine saint Abby, whatever you say." She wails in grief.

Personally, I felt like it was very unfair on Raphael’s part to even boast about it. It was not something I was proud of, as I was planning to raise our kid alone. Nevertheless, it was my own decision and nothing would stop me, not even the opportunities that Emily emphasized.

There was no more discussion to talk about, so I nonchalantly got back to our office. I set up my office desk neatly and went ahead to finish up the task that Ms. Lisa gave me. Since I was a newbie, it was the usual tasks that let me help everyone. I’d send coffee or even help with overseeing the whole project as an observer. Everything was going smoothly until reality started to kick in once again. I am on my way to deliver coffee for my colleagues. When someone on the road tripped me and I fell to the ground. All the cups spilled, and I felt everyone’s gaze on me.

Their mocking whispers traveled across the hall.

"Oh my god, look at her. so disgraceful.”

"Why is she even in our department? I can’t believe a slut like her even got in. I’m sure she used another method to get hired."

"She deserves it. How dare she even know our president? such a gold digger."

I took a huge deep breath to stop myself from acting on emotions. This wasn’t the first time I had to deal with mockery, so I didn’t let it get to me and got up instantly. I just smiled at them and walked out of the scene.

~*~

Several hours later, it was already time to go. As much as I hate to say it, I was kind of relieved that my first day of hell was over-well not that it was really over, but taking a break does help after all. Whenever I would go back disheveled or even dirty, I was thankful that the creative team would take care of me without questions asked. I thought it was weird how well they were taking it despite it not being a normal occurrence. It makes me think that they expected this, and well.. they are just my colleagues after all.

Ms. Lisa stands, while looking at her watch, and says, "Let’s go everyone, office hours are over."

I raised my hand in a hurry, "Ms. Lisa! Can I talk to you alone?"

She nods. I got up from my seat and headed to her desk. Everyone else said their goodbyes until we were the only ones left in the room. I gripped my hands in nervousness and bowed my head in apology.

"About today, I’m sorry that I keep making mistakes on my first day."

“It’s fine. Rather, I think you’re doing pretty great."

"Really?"

"Yes." She nods happily, "I admire your maturity and well... endurance to cope with the situations. No matter what your relationship with the president is, your performance and attitude matter more, and I see that you’re well suited to the job. Keep it up, and I hope you don’t let what others say get to you easily."

"Thank you, Ms. Lisa. But aside from that matter, I would also like to take my day off tomorrow, if it’s possible."

She raised an eyebrow in confusion, "A day off after your first day? Did I judge you too early?"

"No, it’s just that it’s my mother’s birthday, and I wanted to celebrate it with her. I live alone with my mom, so there’s no one else who would be with her on that day. I’m sorry, I know it’s absurd to ask for a day off in a busy week like this.”

"Ms. Brooks, you do know you need to send a formal request,”

"I know it’s tedious, Ms. Lisa, but it’s really an important event for me." I clamped both of my hands together in front of her and said, "Please? Can you help me with this? I’ll return the favor when the time comes! I promise!"

My heart was pounding with nervousness. More than anything, I knew I couldn’t possibly be absent on my mom’s birthday and let her spend it alone. I knew it was ridiculous to request a leave of absence, but I hoped Ms. Lisa could assist me. And I still do.

She sighs, "That is not how things work in Cube, Abby. There’s a formal process that needs to get done before everything. It’s not that I don’t want to help you, but you need to understand that not all companies have the same PTO policy. Going at it like this, there’s only one person in the company who could help you with that."

"Who?"

before she could say a name. All of a sudden, the door opened and Sir. Remy appeared. He looked around, and when his eyes landed on me, he quickly opened his mouth, "Abby, the president wants to see you right now."

What? Raphael wants to see me?

I let out a doubtful grin, "But... office hours are over?"

"Right now." He repeated it before closing the door behind him.