HIS SECRETARY, HER BOSS

Chapter 2

I took a cab and soon as I got home it felt like I was in a war zone.

"Where have you been? Are you running around in suits again? Go change and come help me in the kitchen,” my mother said.

"I wasn't running around in a suit, I'm trying to get a job to support this family, and I'm tired. Why can't Josh help you, and where is he? It is not like he finished school and has a job already,” I shot back at her.

"He's a man, and he is going to look for a job. You are a woman and your place belongs in the kitchen and, besides, no one asked for your support. We may not be rich, but we are still doing okay. Your brother will soon get a job and, besides, we are still on your father's pension, so you should focus on getting married and not finding a job."

Every word hit me like a slap.

It gave me more reason to leave this house, work for myself and build my career. I don't want to end up like her — some housewives.

"It's because you think it's a woman's job to just sit at home, cook and clean, that is why we are poor, and you have no life and I won't be like you ever!,” I fired back at her.

“That's enough!” My father shouted from behind.

He was getting old, and his walks were heavy. I love my father so much, and he is the only one who has supported me and my sister. If not for him, I probably wouldn't have completed my education, unlike my mother, who wanted me to stop at high school and help at home or get married.

“You spoil her too much, that's why she is able to raise her voice at me!” My mother complained to my dad, the same words I've been hearing for as long as I can remember.

"You should leave the child to chase her dreams. She's a grown woman, and she knows what she wants. No law says a woman should only work at home," my father replied.

“You are sending them to school to waste money, just so you know it will all end in their spouse's house,” she stormed off to the kitchen while muttering under her breath.

"It's okay my girl, how was your interview?” My father turned to me and asked.

After the way he stood up for me, I couldn't tell him how it exactly went and that I probably wouldn't get the job, so I lied to him about it.

“It went great dad, we expect good news soon.”

"Wonderful, my child, you are blessed. Go help her in the kitchen before she uses her talks to burn down the kitchen,” he said and laughed.

I laughed as well and went to my room to shower before I came back down to help mom with dinner.

I finished taking my bath and was about to get dressed when my phone rang. Video call: Ella, Catelyn and Zoe.

"Hey you all,” I answered.

“Hey Zee! Work was hell,” Katelyn groaned. Zoey waved wildly in the background. “We forgot to ask about the interview. Ella said, You had lunch together?" So? How'd it go?”

“I don't think I did well guys. He was mean. Rude.

He didn't hold the elevator for me. He threw my documents on the floor. He asked if I had any experience and I said none, but I am a fast learner.

He mocked my reply and said, No wonder I haven't been accepted anywhere,’” my voice cracked.

“Zee, don't cry, he's just a jerk, obviously. You are amazing, you will find a better company that will accept you," Ella consoled me.

“Yea Zee, it's going to be fine. You know what? How about we party tomorrow night? It's going to be Saturday, and we will all be free so you can cheer up!” Zoe shouted.

We all laughed at how energetic she was, we all agreed to go to the party. I had to end the call so I could help mum out with the dinner. I promised I would chat with them tomorrow and plan some more.

I wore my clothes, went downstairs and saw that my siblings had gotten home. My sister was on break from college, while my brother, who barely finished school and obviously can't land a job, is just wasting away at home.

“What a shame," I muttered under my breath.

"Big sis! You are home already, how was your day?” My sister was smiling ear to ear when she saw me. She had always looked up to me, and she was one of the reasons I couldn't give up on myself and make sure she didn't end up as a homemaker like our mother.

“My day was good Gina, hope you enjoyed yourself today?” I asked her.

“I did big sis," she said.

“Hey bro, I heard you went job hunting, so how was it?” I mocked him because obviously it didn't go well. His face was red, his hands were sweaty, and he wore a long face.

“Why do you care? In fact, it went great and

I will be getting good news soon," he lied through his teeth.