Loveless CEO

The second panic

Sighting Mr Xander and Susan in such a scenario was a matter of adding salt to an injury. As Ava sees them, she clenches her fist so hard that she feels pains so much. And immediately she leaves. As Mr Xander goes back to his sit after helping Susan get back to herself. They both continue to catch up over their meal and conversation continues.

"From all you've said, that sounds tough. Have you tried talking to her about it?" He says, asking further.

Dropping her spoon, she mentions. "I have, but she just gets even more upset. I think she's going through some stuff right now, and I don't want to make things worse by pushing her too hard. She can decide when she is calm, I guess." She somberly says.

Mr Xander trying to calm her down. "I see. Well, it's good that you're willing to be patient and wait for her to come around. It sounds like you really value your friendship with her."

She keeps quiet for a while, then smiles. "I do, Mr Xander. Ava has been there for me through so much, and I don't want to lose her as a friend. But it's hard knowing what's going on with her and not knowing how to help her. She is my only closest colleague here at work." She responds.

Xander smiles at her. He knows now that she is also a loyal friend. To him, he wonders if such persons are still in existence in the world and such a rare gem should be held and not played with. "I understand. Sometimes, all we can do is wait and be there for our friends when they're ready to reach out. And I'm sure that Ava will appreciate your patience and support when she comes around." He comments as he compliments her.

"Thank you, Mr Xander. That's really reassuring to hear. I just want to make sure that I'm doing the right by Ava and our friendship. Your company is really great, and I enjoyed my lunch. Thanks for making my day." She compliments smiling so much.

They are both done with lunch and heading back to their office. Their conversation still continued while the other staffs at the cafeteria stares and winks at her all the while she was having lunch with the boss.

Mr Xander says as they leave the cafeteria, "I think you are right, Susan. You're being a good friend by giving her space and understanding that she's going through a difficult time. And I'm sure that when she's ready, she'll come back to you."

"I hope so, Mr Xander. Ava means a lot to me, and I don't want to lose her as a friend. You know that now.," She laughs out loud.

"You're a kind and patient person, and I'm sure that Ava will see that and appreciate it when she's ready. Just keep being there for her, and everything will work out." He assures her with full confidence in his voice. He now believes even more in Susan, like never.

Just as Susan enters her office, leaving him to continue his walk to his office. She calls out with beams of satisfaction. "Thank you so much, Mr Xander. You always know just what to say."

...

Their last conversation gets the attention of Ava as her office is in between that of the boss and Susan, though not in proximity. She is hurt repeatedly, and has no one to speak to. Not even Susan, considering their outburst earlier, which will take sometime to settle. She recalls her newly found friend, or should I say her trigger, far away and then calls her. She picks up her phone, then dials Mrs Tina's number.

As the phone rings twice, she speaks without hesitation. Since she longed to speak with someone. "Mrs Tina, it's Ava. I need to talk to someone. Can you talk?" She says as she burst out, sobering so hard and uncontrollably.

So surprised, but not shocked. "Of course, Ava. What's going on?" Mrs Tina responds

"I just feel so embarrassed right now." Ava sobs slowly to avoid getting attentions. "I came to work today, wearing something I thought was cute, but now everyone is talking behind my back and making fun of me."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Ava. Love. That must have been really tough. Please give me details, alright love?" Mrs Tina consoles her.

"Yeah, it is. I just don't know what to do. I feel like I'm being judged all the time, and I can't seem to do anything right."

Mrs Tina smiles on hearing her say what happened. "Well, first, let me assure you that you are not being judged all the time. Everyone makes mistakes or has moments of embarrassment. It's normal. It's also their first time seeing you dressed like that, so I guess they will surely react not too good." She explains to Ava to make her feel less of what she is feeling.

"Oh... Oh." Ava exclaims. "But it doesn't feel normal. It feels like everyone is laughing at me. I can't take it at all."

Mrs Tina laughs out loud. "I understand how you feel, Ava. But people usually talk behind others' backs because they are insecure about themselves. They want to bring others down to make themselves feel better. So don't take it too personally."

Just then, she waits and replies, "I'll try not to, Mrs Tina. But it still hurts."

Mrs Tina continues to encourage her. "I know it does. But you are a strong and confident person, Ava. Don't let anyone bring you down. And remember, you have me who will support you no matter what."

Ava sighs. "That's true. I have good friends. My girlfriend here in the office is the one my man is all after. Laughing and eating together. So the only one I know now is you." She claims.

Mrs Tina remembers and then mentions, "And speaking of friends, Mr Xander's birthday is coming up on Saturday. There must be a party, right?"

"You should come and hang out with your colleagues. Act like nothing happened at work. It'll be a fun time and you'll get to see some familiar faces. You can't tell. Your boss might see you different, maximize every opportunity you have, alright?"

"While that is taking place, let me find a permanent solution to your problem so he can be yours." She schemes.

In an exciting manner, Ava replies. "Yes, I will be there. Thanks for reminding me. You are the best."