JANET D' JANITOR

Episode 6 - The New Chapter

Janet's heart raced a double as she met the almighty Otunba Williams.

The cool air from the LG air conditioner in the hallway transported the strong, masculine, intoxicating scent of his cologne, leaving her breathless.

"There I am, standing in the presence of him, whom I have detested all my life." Janet thought as she stood motionless! Speechless!

She couldn't understand the emotion she felt at that time.

As their eyes locked on each other, Janet couldn't help but feel Otunba Williams' eyes piercing through her heart, cutting it into two halves. One is soft and vulnerable, the other hard and determined, creating a stark contrast within her, like two parallel lines.

"Oh my God!" she screamed. Her mobile phone and mopping stick kissed each other on the Italian marble floor, the sound echoing through the hallway.

"Who are you, and what brings you here at this hour?" Otunba questioned with an aggressive and rude tone. His deep voice immediately sent shivers down her spine.

"I'm...uh... " Janet stuttered before Tunde rushed in.

"Janet D' Janitor. Sir, this is Janet D.' Janitor. She was posted on a special assignment to the executive floor from the HR Department."

"Oh, I see. I presume the new janitor from JTK Solutions. Young lady, I have heard a few things about you, and I must say, I'm impressed. I have noticed changes in the executive floor. I 'm very interested in your attention to details"

"Yes Sir. She is good with her fingers. Her hands spill magic." Tunde affirmed.

“Is that so?” Otunba chuckled. “Will you get away from here silly boy?”

Her hands spill magic. What do you know about a lady's hand? Otunba playfully dismisses Tunde.

"I'm sorry, sir. I need to wrap up the agenda for tomorrow's meeting."

"You had better hurry. Naughty boy."

Janet couldn't help but notice this humorous part of Otunba.

"I'm honored to stand in your presence, sir. I never knew…" Otunba interjects...

"Knew what?" "Nothing Sir..." Janet shrugged

"That I could be like this?"

Janet nods as she smiles sheepishly, like a little child.

"You know, Janet, I like people who pay attention to details. I mean people who are thorough and have a good work ethic. I can see you could make that list. I think we could use someone like you on our team. Would you like to take on more responsibilities?" Otunba asked Janet

"Yes Sir. It will be my pleasure. I graduated with second-class honours five years ago. I studied business administration. Since then, I have been job-hunting." Janet answers, seizing the opportunity to sell herself.

From his office, Tunde peered through the window. He couldn't help but notice Otunba's gaze on Janet. He said to himself, "Hmmm. This is the first time I have seen Otunba show interest in a staff like this. And for this long?"

“It’s disheartening to see a second-class upper-division graduate would be a janitor in his empire. “That is a total waste of an asset. You know what, I’m going to change that. Janet, what skills do you have?” He asked.

“Sir, aside from my attention to detail, I possess strong organizational skills. I can adapt to any situation and environment I find myself in, professionally and otherwise. I'm an excellent communicator, an innovative solutions provider, and a great researcher."

Otunba couldn't hide the great impression Janet just made on him. “That's quite impressive.

Consider this interview. Report to HR first thing tomorrow morning. You will have your appointment letter signed.”

Thank you very much, sir. It will be my pleasure. I will not let you down, sir. I promise.

As soon as Otunba entered his posh office, Tunde signaled Janet to come in. "You seem to have impressed Otunba. How did you do it?" " Seriously? Me? How?" Janet pretending to be unaware of what Tunde was talking about. "I was just doing my job…I was really scared...Until he started asking about my skills and qualifications," Janet continued.

"Yes, I heard everything. Congratulations. Otunba is not a man to be easily pleased. But one thing you can be sure of is that he likes excellence." Tunde offers a handshake.

"Well, do you think he meant it when he said I should go to HR tomorrow morning for my appointment letter?" "Certainly! Otunba does not misuse words. Why would he give you more than 2 minutes of his time if he wasn't impressed? He sure would have dismissed you from the very moment you barged in on him."

"I did not barge in on him." "Is that so? Then what happened back there?" "Well, I just found myself in his presence." "So, what's the difference?" "Please leave me alone, Tunde. Let me soak in what just happened."

"Well, Congratulations, Janet. This calls for celebration." "Tunde, you can't even wait; let me have the letter first." "Letter? You have Otunba's word."

Just then, Otunba calls Tunde's intercom. Tunde picks up…

"Hello sir!"