CH 12:HANG OVER 2

As Mr. Thompson informed me about the CEO call, I nodded, trying to maintain composure despite the throbbing headache from last night's escapade.

"Thanks, Mr. Thompson. I'll take care of it," I said, forcing a smile.

He gave me a sympathetic look. "Take it easy today, Elena. You don't look too good."

I chuckled weakly. "I'll try."

Ignoring the CEO's summons, I stumbled into my office, longing for some peace and quiet.If not about the proposition, there's nothing else, the CEO wants to see me for again. Thinking about his proposition makes my stomach sick and the feeling is disgusting.

"Rough night?" Mark asked, raising an eyebrow as he peered at me over his cubicle wall.

I groaned, sinking into my chair. "You have no idea."

Just as I settled in, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from my mom. I debated ignoring it, but her persistent calling made it impossible to ignore.

"Hey, Mom," I answered, my voice groggy from the lingering effects of last night's hangover.

"Elena, darling, are you alright?" My mom's voice carried a note of concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound more alert than I felt, rubbing my tembles.

"Good to hear you are okay... How's work" she asked and I felt a pang of disgust. Not this time, this is not the perfect time for any one to keep long convos with me .

"Mom ... Can you straight to the point, I'm kind of busy right now" I said firmly and softly trying not to sound rude

"You need to come home."My mom said urgently and and I hesitated, not in the mood for any more stres

My heart sank. "Mom, I've got work... I can't just drop everything, I'm busy right now . I will come home during Christmas break"

"It's not about work, Elena," she said firmly. "Clarina needs you."

My breath caught in my throat. "What? What happened to her?" Clarina is my immediate younger sister and my favorite one at that . I love her so much just as I love my bestfriend.

"She's been feeling unwell for a while now, and it's gotten worse," my mom explained, her voice tinged with worry. "The doctors suspect it might be something serious."

Sympathy welled up inside me.As much as I love my sister,I cant leave my job just to go see her "Oh, Mom, I'm so sorry to hear that. But I've got so much on my plate right now..."

"Your sister's health is more important than anything else," she interrupted, her tone unwavering.

I sighed, feeling torn. "I'll see what I can do, Mom... byeeeeeeeeee"

As I ended the call, a sense of guilt washed over me. Hangover or not, today was going to be more challenging than I thought. The CEO wants to see for some kind of proposition, I'm having an hangover, my eyes are sleepy and now my sister is sick . Oh gosh, why is my life like this , I stood up and made my way to my best friend cubicle

"Hey, Olivia," I said, turning to my friend as we walked towards her desk

"Hey, Elena," Olivia replied, her voice still groggy from the night before. Olivia is also having an hangover. It's been long we ever got drunk like that . The last time we took alcohol was the time Olivia had an heart break from an ugly man who claimed he liked her...trust when I say ugly, he's f*cking ugly,my best friend was after his riches. Then he left her for the person he claimed to be his cousin. So complicated and pathetic . I hate to remember that!

"I just got off the phone with my mom," I began, trying to keep my tone light despite the heavy news. "She said Clarina's really sick."

Olivia's eyes widened in concern. "Oh no, that's terrible. What's wrong with her?"

"They're not sure yet," I explained, feeling the weight of worry settle in my stomach. "But my mom sounded really worried."

Olivia frowned, her brows knitting together in concern. "You're going beacon, right? To be with your sister?"

I hesitated, feeling torn between my responsibilities at work and my family's needs. "I don't know, Liv. I've got so much to do here..."

"Elena, family comes first," Olivia said firmly, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You know that."

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "I know, I know. I can't just figure something out." I said running my hands through my head

Olivia reached out, squeezing my hand in a gesture of comfort. "Hey, it's going to be okay. You should go home to be with your sister."

I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. "I know, Liv. I just don't know how to balance everything right now."

"We'll figure it out together," Olivia said reassuringly. "But your family needs you right now. That's what's most important."

" I feel like I'm going to break down" I said trying to wrap my hand around everything

Olivia reached out and gently touched my arm. "Elena, how about I come with you to visit your sister?...i mean we could go together"

I looked at her, surprised by her offer. "Liv, that's really sweet of you, but it's not just a one-time visit. This could take a while."

She nodded, her expression determined. "I know, Elena. But Clarina is important to me just as to you...she's family,And if it means being there for you during this tough time, then I'm all in. Besides, if work is an issue, I can talk to Mr. Thompson and request some time off."

I felt a lump form in my throat at her unwavering support. "Liv, I don't know what to say..."

" Thank God you've got a blue card , you could just inform mr Thompson you'd be off "she suggested

Olivia's words sank in, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "You're right, Liv. Thank goodness for the blue card. I'll make sure to inform Mr. Thompson so he knows I'm not taking advantage of it."

She nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It's important to keep him informed. But don't worry too much about work right now. Let's focus on your sister."

I smiled gratefully at her. "Thanks, Liv. I appreciate your support more than you know."

Olivia flashed a warm smile as she said, "If you'll excuse me, I have a leave request letter to write to Mr. Thompson." I grinned in response, and she added, "You look more beautiful when you smile."

I couldn't help but scoff. "Oh, please. Save your flattery, Miss Too Good."

Olivia's smile widened, and she chuckled softly. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment, Now go get ready to see our sister. I'll take care of things here."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Thanks, Liv. You're the best."

"You know you don't have to always remind me of that " she said evident of pride in her tone and I grinned again

"Oh please" we both laughed