The office cleaner

THE OFFICE CLEANER

EPISODE 2

Judith and Akpan resumed work on Monday according to the message they received. They were both very excited.

Akpan wore a big, oversize sweater with a black trouser and a head warmer. He put on the same sneaker he wore on the day of the interview.

Judith on the other hand wore a beautiful pink top with jeans, looking so beautiful.

Every staff that set eyes on her took a second look, including the ladies.

“Isn’t she one of the new cleaners? Why is she dressed like she owns the company? One of the female employee asked her colleague as Judith walked pass.

“She is not only dressed like the owner of the company, but like one who has come to seduce men here. Just look at her”, her partner replied, sounding jealous

Judith and Akpan entered the reception and the receptionist informed them that the human resource manager would like to see them in his office.

They thanked her and walked towards the office she had directed them to.

“Come in”, they heard Mr Excellent say immediately they knocked. They both walked in, Judith beaming with smiles while Akpan was still trying to adjust his oversize sweater.

“Good morning, Sir”, they both chorused, as they bowed their heads.

“Good morning Akpan and Judith. How are you both doing today? Mr Excellent replied

“We are fine Sir”, they both replied in unison

“Good. It’s already past eight and both of you are just coming to work. I thought you both claimed to be professional cleaners”, Mr Excellence queried them.

They both bowed their heads without uttering a word.

“Anyway, I will let that slide, because it is your first day at work” he continued.

“Akpan, you will be cleaning the exterior and the general toilet meant for visitors and junior staff. You can be called upon to run some errands for the company once in a while, so take note, he said with eyes glued to Akpan.

Akpan nodded in agreement.

“Judith, you will be in charge of the interior which includes offices, toilets and the reception”, He continued, facing Judith.

“Your resumption time is 7am because official work starts by 8am. So, within one hour, make sure you have done at least seventy percent of your job”.

“The reception must be neat at all times, which means you, Judith must continue to clean during the day, as clients come in and go out”, he added.

“Do you have any questions? He asked looking at them

“No Sir”, they replied him without looking up.

“Very well then”, he continued. “Ask the receptionist to show you two the lockers provided for you to keep your belonging while you work. Your salary is fifty thousand monthly. Congratulations”, he said on a final note

“Thank you, Sir”, they both replied and turned to leave.

“Judith, see me in two hours’ time. There is something I would like you to do for me”, he called after her.

“Okay Sir”, she replied and shut the door.

The receptionist showed them round the compound and showed them their lockers as well. Judith entered the staff toilet and changed into a simple free gown. She also wrapped her hair in a bonnet

She came out took a broom from the store the receptionist showed them. She started sweeping after which she mopped the floor. Akpan also went out to clean the compound.

After she was done, she changed into her clothes again and went to meet Mr. Excellent.

“You asked me to see you in two hours Sir”, she said as she entered his office.

“Yes, I did, please sit down”, he said pointing to a chair in front of him.

Mr Excellent quickly rounded up what he was doing on the system. He looked up and smiled at her.

“You are such a beauty to behold, he began. You deserve a better position than being just a cleaner. I can make that happen, you know”, he said as he looked at her lustfully.

“All you need to do is scratch my back, while I scratch yours”, he added with a wink

Judith sat glued to her seat. Without saying a word, she moved her eyes from staring at his face, to his ring finger, where he had his beautiful golden wedding ring.

“Oh this? He asked raising his hand to reveal the ring properly

“Forget about this ring. Yes, I am married, but there is nothing new under the sun. I will give you enough money to take good care of yourself”, he added as he stood up from his seat and walked over to her.

He sat on his table, facing Judith who was still sitting.

“You really don’t have a choice you know. I run things around here, so you have to do my bidding”, he told her with a gentle but authoritative voice.

“Can I think about it Sir? Judith asked after some seconds of silence

“Fine then. Let me be lenient with you. Go ahead and think about it. But be fast about it”, he added, giving her a gentle stroke on her hair.

“What is going on here? A voice asked from behind. They turned to see who it was.

It was Mr David, the manager

“I knocked but got no response, so I tried the door handle and it opened”, he explained. “You haven’t answered my question yet”, he added

“What is going on here? he asked ago