Love At A Cost

Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

Love At A Cost

Tina's POV

Many thoughts ran through my mind as I sat on the office chair, thinking about what Salone had told me. He literally threatened to fire me.

The only way I could escape this was to become his girlfriend. I feared losing Philip, but I also feared losing my job.

When I was at work, I dreaded anything that would bring me and Salone in contact, but it mostly happened like that.

We had a staff meeting today by 9:30 am. It's about time I thought to myself. I was in my office getting ready to leave. I got up from my seat and walked towards the board room and entered.

Other staff members were already seated, waiting. It was Salone who was going to address the whole board room. I sat down. I saw Nora at a far end of the table in front of us and she waved at me and I waved her back.

I looked at everyone seated around the long table. Many of them were beaming with excitement as they chatted with each other laughing. Some were smiling as they teased each other playfully.

I looked within myself. I wished I could be like them. I haven't been happy ever since Salone made advances towards me.

My heart became heavy ever since Salone threatened to fire me if I do not become his girlfriend and I…….

Salone entered the room, walking majestically, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Everyone kept quiet. The once buzzing room became quiet. Not out of fear but respect.

His eyes scanned everywhere and everyone till he caught mine. I quickly turned my face away.

He sat down on the chair meant for him.

“Dear staff of this great company” He started. “I called for this meeting to let you all know that this company has new rules.”

He paused and continued. “One, any one who comes late to work will be suspended for sometime. Two, anyone who disobeys me will be at the risk of losing his or her job.” He concluded.

“Have I made myself clear?” He asked.

“Yes sir” everyone chorused.

“So that is all for now.” He said.

He stood up and walked out of the room.

Everyone got up and started leaving one by one, muttering some words to themselves. I got up also and moved out with them.

Those words kept ringing in my mind, ‘Anyone who disobeys me will be at risk of losing his or her job’

I knew he was indirectly talking to me, because I kept refusing his advances towards me. I knew he wasn't joking and I was at risk of getting fired anytime, if I remained adamant.

I could only hope that one day things would change, and I would be able to have my job and keep on loving Philip.

…….

I got home from work. I walked into my room, my shoulders down as I looked out the window. My hands were on my chin. I needed someone to talk to.

I pulled out my phone from my bag. I tried calling Philip's number but it wasn't reachable. I tried the second time, but it wasn't still reachable.

I thought of who else to call. I needed this feeling of sadness to go away, and the only way it could happen was by being with someone.

I remembered Nora. I last saw her in the boardroom today. Maybe we could hang out. Anyhow, I just wanted this feeling to leave me.

I dialed her number. It was ringing. Thank God. She picked it from her end.

“Hello,” I said.

“Hi, Tina,” Nora replied. Her voice was clear.

“I'm bored Nora, can I come over to your place?” I asked.

“Sure,” She said and hung up.

What a friend she was! I thought to myself. I remembered how we both became friends.

When I started working in the company, we never knew each other. The only thing I knew about her was that she was the company's treasurer. We met closely one day, and that's when we became friends.

It happened that I was carrying some files I was meant to take to my office when suddenly, I missed my step and the papers scattered around the place.

I was slightly embarrassed as I bent down to pick them one by one.

“Let me help you,” I heard someone say. I looked up at a tall, slim lady, who I usually saw around.

“Thanks” I said. She bent down too and helped me pick up the papers and handed them over to me.

“Thank you so much” I said in appreciation.

“You are welcome” She said smiling “My Name is Nora”

“My Name is Tina” I replied back.

“I'll see you around.” She said and left hurriedly.

From then on we became close friends.

Whenever it was lunch time, we usually went out together to the cafeteria to eat. Sometimes, she visits me and we go to work together.

I looked at my phone. I saw a text message from Philip, ‘Can you come over?’

I texted back ‘Yes’. I would spend some hours with him and come back.

Now I would have to tell Nora I won't come. ‘I won't be able to make it to your house,’ I texted her. ‘I’m going to Philip's place’ I added.

Shortly after that her text came in ‘No Problem, have fun’ I smiled.

I put my phone back inside my bag. I was ready to meet Philip. This was one of the times I paid him visits.

I went to my wardrobe and selected some of my best dresses. I picked up a red gown. This would do, I thought to myself.

I put it on and looked at the mirror. My curves could be seen and it looked perfect.

I arranged my hair and pinned it with a hair clip. I applied a little bit of lipstick to my lips. I was good to go.

As I picked up my bag and came out of the house, my mind went back to

Salone.

I felt that my decision to stand for Philip was right but, I could only hope it won't cost me my job.