Episode 15
996 Words
The clicking sound of my heels is enough to disperse the gathering as I approach them. Something seems unusual and I just can't put my finger on it.
"Good morning everyone"
"How was your vacation ma'am?" Louisa asks
"It was better than I assumed it'd be."
"We're glad to hear that ma'am"
"Alright,let's get to work already." I clap my hands before heading to my office.
The usual aroma of coffee calms my nerves as I sit . Sipping and allowing myself to relax, a knock has me answering
"Come on in"
"Ma'am, you have a board meeting at eleven and a launch date with the Managing director of Benson and sons at two" Louisa reveals with a smile and I nod
"Thank you Louisa."She turns to leave then looks back at me with a smile spread across her face again before walking away.How strange!
...
Three -thirty! Time flies indeed!
"They look so cute Louisa" I hear a voice say
"I'm just happy she decided to focus on her personal life finally.The guy is very lucky" Drawing nearer to the voices I see Louisa and Kate.
"Office gossip? Seriously? Aren't you supposed to be working now? Focus on your work and stop poking your noses into others businesses" I warn
"Sorry ma'am"
"You better be" I groan "Louisa,please come with me"
This is why people will never be successful in life. They waste their precious time on meaningless and time consuming activities like gossiping.
"I admire how hard you've been working and so,I got this for you" I hand her a paper bag.
"This is mine?" She asks and I nod.
"Thanks a lot ma'am" She beams.
"It's a pleasure. I don't want what just happened out there to repeat itself.You're one of the best employees I've got here and It's a shame to hear that you engage in gossip"
"I'm sorry ma'am. We were just happy for you.It won't happen again"
"Happy for me?"
"Yes...you decided to focus on yourself a little.We're happy you found someone" Found someone?
"I'll take my leave now, thank you again for the gift" She smiles before leaving.
...
"Louella!" Steph jumps into my arms.
"Steph" I squeal almost out of breath.
"I've missed you so much" She pouts and I chuckle.
"Me too,mini-me. I have a surprise for you" I whisper.
"Hermanita! " Queen almost knocks me off my feet.
"Girls,you're going to kill Louella" mom appears just in time to save me.
"Thank you mom" I whisper and she chuckles.
"So, where's the gift? " Steph whispers to me as soon as we sit.
"I think you should go and see for yourself"I wink and they both rush out leaving me and mom alone.
" How was your vacation?"
"It was amazing mom! I don't regret it. It was worth it.I feel so relaxed now"
"I'm glad you do.Maybe, you should consider going on vacations more frequently."She gives me that look and I almost laugh.
"Okay mom"I chuckle. The girls rush in again.
"This is beautiful" Steph observes.
"She's more beautiful than Little is"Queen comments and I'm even more confused until I remember Little.
"Who's Little?"Mom asks.
"Steph's doll" Queen and I say in unison.
"Okay" Mom chuckles.
"Thank you so much!" Queen and Steph say. I'm seriously beginning to think they rehearse their speech. How are they always in sync?
I spend a few more minutes with them before I decide to leave.
Just as I open the door to leave, I see a lady about my age with a smile plastered on her face.
"Louella Walker?" She beams
"Umm yes"
"OMG! I never in my wildest dreams thought I'll meet you! By the way,I'm Britney Henderson,I'm here to pick Queen up."
"Oh okay, just a second." I say before heading inside to bring Queen.
"Queen, do you know Britney Henderson?" I ask as we walk towards the door.
"She's my cousin. She's here?"
"Yes she is"
"Britney!" Oh okay,I guess she just loves to hug people.
"Nice to meet you Louella" Britney extends her arm and I politely shake her. She sounds...nice
"Same here"
"Queen, get in the car, okay" She gestures to Queen.
"Thank you for being in my cousin's life. He hasn't been happy for years now, but I have hope of you being his new source of happiness. He hadn't even considered opening his heart to love but somehow, you made it possible. Thank you for that, Louella. I know,he can be cold sometimes but..."
"W-What are you talking about Britney? You're getting me confused. Who are we talking about here? What love? " I give a nervous chuckle.
"Kaven of course. Now,don't tell me you don't know how that picture came out and you're just acquaintances" She raises a brow. I'm even more confused now.
"What? Which photo?"
"This picture, Louella" She hands me her phone. His arms around my waist and my eyes closed ina relaxed manner. How?
" H-How did you get this?"
"It's all over. You haven't seen it? Everyone is talking about it"She looks at me, surprised. I reach out for my phone.
Louella Walker and Boyfriend on Vacation in New York.
"Oh .My. God. This is crazy. It's...it's so not true. It's a misunderstanding "I almost whisper.
''What? A misunderstanding? "
"I tripped and he caught me just in time!" I murmur and she gasps.
"How is it possible? Who took a picture of you two then? It doesn't look like he just caught you" She gives me a knowing look.
"It might not look as such but that's what happened. I'm going to look into this and find whoever is spreading this" I groan.
"Well, I wasn't expecting this response. Anyways ,I should be on my way ,I'll see you some other time" She smiles.
It makes sense to me now. The way everyone acted that way, Louisa saying all those things. Goodness! No one told me this was part of being popular!
- Writer
