THIRD PARTY DISRUPTOR

Chapter Two

INSIDE THE OFFICE…

Mr. Winston: I thank you for your time, Miss Smith, but we’re gonna go ahead and offer the position to someone else. I wish you continued success, though.

Mr. Winston spoke casually.

Bianca couldn’t believe her ears. No interviews, and just like that, she had lost another job opportunity.

She quickly composed herself, forced a smile, and spoke with confidence.

Bianca: Mr. Winston, with all due respect, I have all the skills necessary to perform all the essential tasks for this job. Just give me a chance to prove myself!

Mr. Winston: Listen, Miss. You just don’t have the right qualifications for this job. We wouldn’t want a finance girl helping us run cases.

He laughed mockingly.

Mr. Winston: Just keep on searching! I’m sure you’ll find the right job in no time. Have a great day now.

He waved at her, beckoning her to leave his office.

Bianca walked out feeling rejected and defeated.

Bianca’s thought: “I should have known better. Not that I anticipated any sort of success—but why would I even bother letting hope bloom within?”

BIANCA’S FLASHBACK — HIGH SCHOOL

Little Bianca’s thought: “I can do this.”

Another thought: “Of course you can’t! What are you thinking?”

Bianca rolled her eyes at herself.

Bianca: Shut up! Yes, I can!

She screamed before walking toward the field where the cheerleaders were practicing.

Bianca: Ummm, excuse me?

She said shyly to no one in particular, her eyes lowered toward the floor.

Tracy, the leader of the cheer team, turned toward her.

Tracy: Yeah?

Bianca: Hey, I’m Bianca, and I wanted to try out for the cheerleading team. I’m really good at doing the splits, and I learn fairly qui—

Tracy didn’t let her complete her sentence.

Tracy: Sorry, but the team is full.

She said with her hands akimbo.

Tracy: We recruited our last member yesterday. Sorry.

Bianca: Oh, no worries. That’s fine.

She said while raising her head.

Tracy: Maybe you can try out next year.

Tracy and the whole team broke into loud laughter.

Bianca walked away, feeling insulted and humiliated.

THE NEXT DAY — PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE

Bianca walked into the principal’s office to discuss her scholarship application with the lady in charge.

Bianca: Good morning. I came to turn in my scholarship application for next semester.

Front Desk Lady: Oh, sweetie, haven’t you heard?! They just awarded the scholarship last night during the banquet. We’re no longer accepting applications till next year.

Bianca stared at her in stunned disbelief. She tried to remain calm as she spoke.

Bianca: Really?

Front Desk Lady: Yes. All 50 grand was given to some girl from the Netherlands.

Bianca sighed faintly.

Bianca: Well, thank you, then.

Bianca walked out, sadness visible in her eyes.

BIANCA’S FLASHBACK — JUNIOR COLLEGE

Bianca was walking with her male friend after a movie. He whispered something into her ear, and they both burst out laughing.

They stopped beside a wall, leaning against it.

Bianca: Oh my God, that was so much fun!!

She said happily.

Isaiah: Hell yeah, that was. I can’t believe you haven’t hung out with me since we met this semester.

Isaiah pretended to be upset with Bianca.

Isaiah: I told you I can be fun.

Bianca: I know.

She answered while blushing.

Bianca: But you know stats has been a pain this semester. I can barely keep up.

Isaiah: I know. But we should definitely do this again. You’re a great friend to chill with.

Bianca’s thought: “Just do it, girl.”

Bianca: Do-do you ever feel like our friendship is special? Like, if we were something more?

Bianca asked Isaiah shyly and awkwardly.

Isaiah: Yeah, I do.

He answered casually.

Isaiah: It’s a crazy feeling.

Bianca: I don’t know about you, Isaiah, but I think I’d want to be more than friends with you.

Isaiah became shocked and awkward.

Isaiah: Uhhh, Bianca, I don’t mean this in a mean way, but-

He coughed as though something were stuck in his throat.

Isaiah: I’m gay.

Bianca became embarrassed.

Bianca: Oh, don’t worry about it. Just forget what I said.

PRESENT TIME

Bianca’s thought: “I was never the one to harbour luck of any kind. After every let down, I simply learned to be the world’s second option. That way, the wound ached a little bit less. But the scars are always there to remind me. To keep me from rising up. And I was finally getting sick of it.”

She snapped out of her thoughts and realized she was still walking along the road. As darkness began to settle over the city, she increased her pace.

ADRIAN VISITS HIS PARENTS

Adrian came to visit his parents at their home. He walked into the living room but couldn’t find anyone, so he proceeded to the garden, hoping to see his mom sitting there, sipping her hot chocolate and admiring the flowers.

That was her favorite place in the house.

He wasn’t wrong.

Adrian immediately went over to her, greeted her, and gave her a peck before sitting beside her.

Adrian: Hello, Mum. You look beautiful.

Glory: Adrian, how are you doing? How is Brie?

Adrian let out a long sigh, lowering his head.

Glory immediately understood that something was wrong.

Glory: Sweetie, every woman needs to feel supported and protected. I think Brie wants this baby as much as you do. Every woman dreams of having a family with the love of their life.

Adrian raised his head.

Adrian: Brie isn’t like any other woman, Mom. She loathes the idea of becoming a mother. Every time I bring it up, she gets all defensive and angry.

Glory: I’m sure it’s nothing you two can’t work out.

She took a sip of her hot chocolate before continuing.

Glory: You two are like high school sweethearts that I envied growing up. I always dreamed of having that as a girl.

She took another sip of her hot chocolate.

Glory: That is, until I met your dad, of course. But seeing that you’re such an accomplished young man gives me joy.

Adrian: MOM, THIS IS SERIOUS!!

Adrian’s frustration finally broke through. He struck his foot against the floor.

Adrian: I MAY LOSE THE WOMAN I LOVE OVER THIS!

He said with a grave expression.

Glory: This is preposterous, Adrian! She is your wife! You both will have to become parents eventually! It’s not that big of a deal!

Adrian rolled his eyes.

Adrian: Well, my marriage means a lot to me, so it is a big deal.

He stood up, dusted his shirt, and looked at his mother.

Adrian: I will see you later, Mom.

He walked away.

Glory: Adrian?!

She called after him.

Glory: Sweetie! We just want to see you happy.

IMANI’S APARTMENT

Imani: You’re so fine, baby… mmm!

Imani pecked her boyfriend on the lips outside their shared apartment.

Murphy: All yours, my queen.

He winked at her.

Murphy: You ready to go, baby?

Imani: Yep. Let me just get my phone real quick.

Imani walked back inside, picked up her phone, and noticed Bianca sleeping on the couch beneath a duvet.

Imani’s thought: “Poor thing.”

She walked back outside to meet Murphy.

Imani: I feel bad for her.

Her voice trembled slightly.

Imani: She had so much hope for that job. I thought this could finally be her break. But it turned out to be another kick in the face.

Murphy: That’s tough. I remember those days. Couldn’t find a way to make money for the life of me. But it does get better, babe.

He glanced toward the apartment.

Murphy: She seems like a smart girl. She will figure it out.

Imani rolled her eyes.

Imani: That girl has been jobless since we graduated college. She’s done a million interviews, and all of them have turned her down!! I can feel her damn frustration. She works tirelessly every day, and it’s not fair, you know? It almost makes me feel guilty for getting a job at MacMahon right after college.

Murphy: You have no reason to feel guilty, my love. I’m sure if the time was right, Bianca might have a shot at landing a position at MacMahon too.

Murphy looked at his phone.

Murphy: Damn, it’s getting late. We should get going, babe.

Imani: Ummmmm… I’ma get something from my room real quick.

Murphy: Okay. Meet you in the car.

Murphy walked toward the car while Imani went back into the sitting room. She looked at Bianca, who was still fast asleep, and heaved a sigh.

Imani’s thought: “This is for you, girl. Hope this works.”

She walked back outside and joined Murphy inside the car.

Murphy: Ready?

Imani: Uhhh… can I ask a favor before we leave?

Murphy: You know you can ask me anything, babe.

Imani: Uhhh, you know that Bianca is like a sister to me, right?

Murphy: Uhh, yeah?

Imani: Well, I was thinking of a way I could help her out, you know? With her financial situation.

Murphy: I’m listening.

Imani: Would you—if there was a possibility—see if you could get Mr. MacMahon to give Bianca an interview? We all know you’re like Mr. MacMahon’s long-lost brother.

Murphy stared at her for a moment before finally responding.

Murphy: I can try. Big man has been out of the office for a few days, and I’m not sure where he’d stand on this. But I can try to talk to him tomorrow. Maybe he’ll consider it. I don’t know.

Imani’s face brightened with excitement and relief.

Imani: Thank you so much, babe!!! This would mean a lot to Bianca. Just imagine if we could get her to join our team! We’d be amazing work buddies!!

Murphy: I agree. Now let’s get going before we’re late.

THE NEXT DAY…

MACMAHON ENTERPRISES

Charlie: Not a chance!

He stopped with his hands folded together.

Murphy: But he’s not even in a meeting, Chars.

He sounded tired.

Murphy: Let me talk to him real quick.

Charlie: I don’t care if you’re his “best friend.” Mr. MacMahon said he does not want to see anyone at this moment, and that is final!!!

Murphy: Unless he explicitly said he doesn’t want to see me—his “best friend”—then I’m going in!

A loud scream suddenly came from inside Adrian’s office, diverting everyone’s attention toward the door.

Adrian: I AM NOT YOUR CRAP!!!

Murphy’s expression changed immediately.

Murphy’s thought: “This doesn’t sound good.”

Brie walked past everyone angrily, wearing a lovely dress and beautiful sunglasses.

Charlie: Mrs. MacMahon!!!

He ran after her.

Murphy immediately rushed into Adrian’s office.

Adrian was standing by his office window, staring out at the city.

Murphy: Hey, man. Is everything alright?

Adrian turned around.

Adrian: Yeah, bro. We good.

He forced a smile.

Adrian: What’s up?

Murphy: Adrian, what was that? With Brie? You and I both know that you aren’t okay.

Adrian breathed in and out slowly before turning toward him with a frustrated expression.

Adrian: I don’t know, man. Things with Brie seem to be getting worse. I don’t know what to do anymore. And I have tried so hard, man.

He looked defeated.

Adrian: She literally came in and fired three of my assistants, including my personal assistant, on the spot!! WHO THE HELL AM I GOING TO TAKE TO THE CONFERENCE IN MALAYSIA NEXT WEEK?!

Murphy let out a false cough.

Murphy: That’s tough, man. But if it makes the situation any better, I know of somebody who can fill in the position ASAP, if you’re interested.

He said, feeling uneasy.

Adrian’s expression immediately softened with relief.

Adrian: Thank God I have you.

He finally found a glimmer of hope.

Adrian: At this point, I’d hire a homeless person.

Murphy: Yeah, I mean, she is qualified for sure. She’s Imani’s roommate and got a degree in finance recently. She’s been job hunting for a few months, and I know she could be a great fit.

Adrian: Good enough. She’s hired. Tell her to show up Monday morning at 7 to have her introduced to the team and agenda. Let Charlie know to start her paperwork.

Adrian looked genuinely grateful to his best friend.

Adrian: Thanks, man. I owe you one.

Adrian walked out of his office.

Murphy: No problem, bro!

He shouted after him, excitement evident in his voice.

A FEW DAYS LATER…

Imani and Bianca were getting ready in their sitting room.

Imani: You ready, hun? For your first day of work as the personal assistant to MacMahon Enterprises’ CEO?

Imani asked excitedly as Bianca let out a soft laugh.

Bianca: I-I honestly don’t know how I can thank you. This is a damn dream come true!

Imani: You deserve it, babe! No one else could have been a better match for this job!

Bianca: I love you to the moon and back!!

Bianca pecked Imani on both cheeks.

Bianca: You’re the best.

Imani: I know… I know… Now let’s get going! We don’t want you to be late on your first day!

Bianca laughed, and they both walked out of the sitting room.

Bianca’s thought: “From setbacks and constant struggle, I finally had my big break. I was beyond ecstatic to begin a new life at such a prestigious company.”

MACMAHON ENTERPRISES

INSIDE THE OFFICE BUILDING…

Bianca stepped into the building, taking in her new surroundings.

Bianca’s thought: “It seemed as if everything was falling perfectly into place. And boy, was I so right. I came to MacMahon Enterprises with one thing in mind: to earn my way to the life I have always dreamed of.”

She had no idea just how much her life was about to change.

AND I GOT WAY MORE THAN I WANTED!!