Office bully, Becky
1210 Words
Ciara's POV
I don't even remember the product. Oh! It's about a linen fabric.
"What's the deal?" I asked Becky.
"I'll send $500 to you now, you just have to give me that hit idea for the product."
"What's the product?" I needed a reminder.
"It's just a linen fabric. We need to come up with something to entice the public."
"It's summer, " I folded my arm while explaining the idea I had figured out now.
"What would you say about linen and summer? Is it not going to make a hit if you make white coloured linen?" I tilted my head.
"What's the scope?" She asked. Her red witchy lips pursed, clueless.
" Linen fabric is comfortable during summer, due to its light texture, but it can absorb ultra Violet rays which is harmful to our skin. The white color blocks ultra Violet rays better than other colors, so all products should be made in white." I explained.
"Genius idea, Ciara." She giggled.
"The money?" I reminded her.
Her face squeezed, then she unlocked her phone, tapped her phone sreen, as well as her shoes.
Does she have to be so dramatic?
We already made a deal. How would I come up with a better idea to overshadow hers now?
I unlocked my phone and gave her my QR code. She scanned it.
In few seconds, I smiled at the beautiful alert.
This is probably God sent to relieve me of the reality that I might loose my job.
"We're good?" She opened her arms proudly.
"Yeah." I nodded, raising my chin triumphantly.
Again, Mr Marcus clapped his hands, like it was some encouragement or something.
"Hurry up everyone. Move to the meeting room."
So soon!
My brain rummaged on a cloud of thoughts. I was trying to figure out a hit idea also.
I grabbed my pen and my jotter and stroked my hair a bit to smoothen the spiking strands.
I breathed out heavily, squared up my shoulders as high as possible and walked into the meeting room. Compliments were exchanged as professional as possible, mostly by shaking of hands.
I found my favorite spot, stood in front of the chair and waited for the boss.
Speaking of the devil...
He kept his face straight. What does he feel like?
Pttttt...
As soon as he took his seat, the rest of us did the same, as a normal business etiquette.
He adjusted his coat, crossed his legs and dropped a pen on the table. Then, he began to look at our faces one after the other. My heart was giddy up.
Okay, let's get this straight - I'm done with this job soonest.
"I heard the marketing department has been doing well lately." He stated, then locked gaze with me.
I'm not good at staring. I quickly looked elsewhere, at Mr Marcus who was now speaking.
He stood up as though his butt was electrified.
"You can sit..." Jason waved, as if he was that cool.
Well... He was cool in our early years.
"Our pleasure sir. We've only been doing our jobs." Mr Marcus bowed, his forehead nearly touched the table. I pinched his arm. He smiled at me and raised his head.
"I'll like to test this department." Jason put his hand on the table, leaned forward and observed everyone's expression. Of course, the room was dead quiet.
"Sir, permit me to say that we have some strategies to put in place for the linen fabrics at hand. Don't we?" Mr Marcus grinned at us with pleading eyes. We all nodded in affirmation.
He looked relieved.
An evil smile escaped from Jason's lips.
"You already prepared for that, knowing I'll be present." Jason smiled openly.
Yeah...
I've been able to think of something, this moment.
"How about a surprise?" Jason stood up and began a demonstrative talk.
"I want you to convince customers to get silk clothes this summer."
There was commotion in the meeting.
Who wears silk clothes during summer?
What does he want?
"Whoever is able to come up with something, would get an automatic promotion. " He stated and sat down, ticking his pen. He eyes crawled over my skin.
I was thinking. At least, this should secure my job, if not a promotion.
"No one is allowed to use a phone" he added.
I saw Becky galre at me from the corner of her eye.
Is there any person who would get a silk cloth during summer?
I nearly scoffed aloud.
Becky's hand popped up, so did my eyes. What did she come up with?
Jason signalled for her to stand up.
I don't know what she wants to say, but it can't be cool.
"Thanks for this opportunity sir." She began.
Her skirt was looking short, as usual, but I think she raised it higher this time.
"We could make silk pillowcases" she stated bluntly. I wanted to laugh.
Jason just nodded. "Everyone knows pillowcases are made of silk." He said.
I wanted to add to that anyways.
The unimaginary happened. I raised my hand. It is now or never. I just have to think about something to say. Jason took his eyes off me. He was deliberately ignoring me.
"Uhm sir..." Mr Marcus signalled Jason and pointed at me.
I quickly stood up as nervous as a new bride.
"Unlike linen materials which are light and body tight, but looks cheap... " I swallowed and paused.
"Silk is soft as well, but it has its own luster, shine, strength and durability..." My colleagues were clapping already. My head was pounding. I still have more to say. Jason looked like a beaten lion.
"Silk is the epitome of luxury and elegant appearance. To sell silk, sir..." I paused and looked at Jason. "We need to select a lightweight silk material that is breathable and comfortable to wear. We can work with the production team to ensure that styles made suit the summer." I finally stated.
Swears ....
Jason wanted to cry.
I sat down and sighed loudly. I must be grateful to whatevear gave me this confidence.
The meeting was closed. One thing was certain- I still have a job.
I can just do some prayers to get a promotion.
Should I visit a Buddhist temple?
Or a church down Cobblestone street.
It's been a long day. All I need now is a long night rest.
My phone rung.
It was an unknown number. I swiped to receive the call.
" Am I speaking with Ciara Gibson?" The man asked.
"Yeah. How may I help you." I rubbed my forehead.
"This is Ella's homeroom teacher." His voice was in a haste.
I stood up and pressed the phone to my ear.
"What happened?" I asked.
"She passed out during break." He broke the news.
My world spun. Why would she pass out?
I ran my hands through my hair and cussed.
"I'm on my way." I cut the call and quickly packed up my things.
Ella was always poor in health, but she was just fine this morning.
Becky stood in my way.
"Hey!" She called in the most bitchy way I ever heard.
"f**k!" I nearly screamed, although I already used the 'f' word.
What does she want?
- Writer
