Chapter 3 Lonely
1226 Words
Well, it doesn't matter as long as she got the job, Rose thought.
"You'll be working as Mr. Dekan's secretary. You—"
"What!" Rose exclaimed, not waiting for her to finish.
"Sorry, ma, did you actually just say I'll be working as Mr. Dekan's secretary?"
It seemed God wanted to repay her for all the hardship she had suffered in the past year trying to find a job. Why else would she be given such a high position?
"You shouldn't interrupt me when I'm talking," Mrs. Rakeem scolded.
"I'm sorry, ma."
"Well, you are to resume work tomorrow. But you can go to HR now, submit your details, and you'll be shown to your office."
"Okay, ma."
Taking her file, Rose walked out.
Ignoring the curious stares around her, she entered the elevator.
Only then did she realize she didn't even know which floor the HR department was on.
Oh Rose, can you be smart for once?
She stepped back out of the elevator, hoping to find someone she could ask for directions.
It seemed God was really taking a liking to her today because she spotted the man who had come into the interview room earlier.
"Uhm, excuse me, sir."
Akin paused and turned around.
"Miss Olumide. It's you."
"Yeah, what a coincidence."
He flashed her a smile.
"Truly. How may I help you?"
"I'm looking for the HR department. I don't know which floor it is."
Akin was stunned.
Hadn't he just watched her walk confidently into the elevator a few seconds ago?
Now she was standing here looking completely lost.
She really was a funny one.
No wonder the boss was interested in her.
If she wasn't already marked as the boss's person, he might have even considered making a move himself.
Wait.
Had he just imagined her as the boss's future wife?
It seemed he was looking forward to his boss finally settling down.
"The HR department is on the tenth floor."
"Okay, sir. Thank you."
She turned to leave but stopped midway.
Thinking it would be rude to meet twice without asking for his name, she turned back.
"Ah, sorry, sir. What's your name?"
"Well, everyone calls me Assistant Akin, but you can call me Akin."
"Okay then. You already know my name, so there won't be a need for introductions."
Akin smiled.
"Yes, Rose Olumide."
"Alright then. Take care."
She bounced off toward the elevator.
"Sure. You too," Akin replied.
The HR department really lived up to its name.
It was huge.
Rose walked up to a young woman seated in one of the cubicles.
"Hello, I'm Rose."
"Hey, I'm Dalia."
"Uhm, I was asked to come submit my details and be shown to my office."
"Oh, okay. Take this form. Fill in your bank details and other information as required. Then walk to the last office on your left—that's the HR Director's office. Submit it there, then come back. I'll take you to your workspace."
"Alright. Thank you very much."
She collected the form, took a pen from her bag, and sat down.
Carefully, she filled out every section.
She still couldn't believe she had found a job.
Her brother would be more than thrilled to hear this.
"Okay, I'm through. I'll be right back," she said to Dalia.
Dalia flashed her a smile.
"No rush. Take your time."
Rose took the form to the director's office, completed the necessary procedures, and before she knew it, she was on her way to the fifteenth floor.
Dalia was really helpful.
It seemed she had found a friend in this unfamiliar environment.
"Alright, here we are," Dalia said.
"Make sure to knock before entering Mr. Dekan's office. He doesn't like being disturbed. And you resume work by eight in the morning. Make sure his coffee is ready before he arrives."
Rose nodded.
"Okay. See you tomorrow."
"Sure."
Walking out of the Dekans Tech building, Rose realized the sun had already begun to set.
It had truly been a long day.
She suddenly remembered what Mrs. Rakeem had said earlier.
Exchange your body?
When had she ever done such a thing?
Even during her most desperate moments, she had never considered sleeping her way into anything.
If she really knew any executive at Dekans Tech, she wouldn't have remained unemployed for an entire year.
In the end, she pushed the woman's words to the back of her mind.
After all, everyone was entitled to their opinion.
Bagging such a high position with a Third Class degree and no experience really did seem like a once-in-a-lifetime miracle.
"Wooh."
Rose exhaled sharply as loneliness suddenly settled over her.
Now who was she going to celebrate this earth-shattering news with?
Her brother, Daniel, had just been admitted into the University of Ibadan.
She had moved from Ibadan to Lagos immediately after graduation.
The first job she got was as a sales attendant in a luxury boutique.
That was how she had managed to support herself and Daniel for the past year.
But a month ago, she had resigned after her boss's advances became increasingly inappropriate.
Since then, they had been surviving on her savings.
Her best friend, Beatrice, owned a small fashion business in Ibadan.
She had a modest studio and a few apprentices, so leaving Ibadan wasn't an option for her.
As for her parents...
They had been gone for years.
Sometimes Rose wondered if they regretted leaving her behind.
When they died, she was still in her third year at university, with a younger brother suddenly depending on her for everything.
It hadn't been easy.
Did they look down from heaven and regret placing such a heavy burden on her shoulders?
During her final year, she had to pay both her school fees and Daniel's fees in secondary school.
At one point, she worked three different part-time jobs.
There were days she felt exhausted enough to curse fate itself.
But deep down, she knew it wasn't her parents' fault.
Death was inevitable.
Perhaps the lack of financial support had contributed to her poor grades and eventual Third Class.
But she had vowed that her brother would never suffer the same fate.
Daniel was brilliant.
She was certain his future would be bright.
Looking back now, it had all been worth it.
God had finally taken pity on her and offered her such an incredible opportunity.
She couldn't be happier.
At that moment, Rose found herself wishing for one more miracle.
She wished she could run into the handsome stranger who had dropped her off that morning.
She would treat him to lunch and tell him all about her new job.
He seemed like someone who would listen.
She imagined what he would say.
"Hmm, with your silly attitude, who dared to hire you? I hope the person is ready to teach you every day."
Rose chuckled to herself.
Then she suddenly froze.
It wasn't until now that she realized she had forgotten to ask for his name.
What a pity.
Stopping a taxi, she gave the driver her address.
But halfway through the trip, she changed her mind.
She couldn't let such a happy day pass by without celebrating.
Since nobody was around to celebrate with her, why not celebrate herself?
"Driver, please take me to the market instead."
Anyway, she was going to cook herself a real delicacy tonight.
- Writer
