THE QUEST

THE INVITATION. The ultramarine blue colour of the sky was gradually diluted by the weak reflected rays of the sun, which was still below the horizon at six o'clock in the morning. The environment was still except for the continuous chirping of birds signifying the beginning of a new day. Again! The quietness and freshness of dawn was suddenly interrupted by the shrill familiar sharp sound that pierced through the silence and seemed to grant consciousness to the sleeping beauty who made fruitless efforts to stop the annoying sound even from her sleepy state. I swayed from side to side, willing sleep to overtake me once more. Realising how foolish that was, I got up from bed and started my very long and boring daily routine. "Alexa, turn off the lights." I said to my google assistant. I wasn't ready to add electricity to the very long lists of bills I had for the month. I tied my shoe laces and went out for my morning exercises. Feeling the morning breeze sweep past my face and full curly hair always made me relaxed and gave me the refreshment I needed to sustain me through the crazy day I usually had ahead everyday. With a multi tasking job as mine, and a very demanding boss as Richard, one needed to keep his sanity. I reduced my pace and jogged slowly as I got close to the bend at the end of the street. This was what I loved about my New York city. The early bustles of the working class, the honks of speeding cars and school buses, the early morning jogs, fresh bread from bakeries and pastries just made in stores nearby. I had willed for my version of New York to change to the fancy one I envisaged for myself but no matter what I did, I was stuck with. I decided to live with it and enjoy it satisfactorily since my circle of associations were within my class. I was occupied with my thoughts when the familiar buzz of my phone sounded. JEWEL WHERE ARE U RICHARD SAID TO BE HERE IN TEN MINUTES! "Jeez, text in all caps." I read the text from Anna again as I contemplated on what to do. I swayed the fraction of hair which had loosen from the ponytail and disturbed my vision. There was no way I could get to the office in ten minutes if I went back home for a change of clothes. I flagged down a taxi without thinking and headed for the SUPREME NEWS. The entire office was silent when I walked in. The news creators usually in front of their desks on the ground floor were not there. I walked upstairs into the editing department to see if they all went there but nobody was there. 'That's strange' I thought. I contemplated on going into Richard's office immediately or wait for him to look for me. I sighed and wiped my face with the serviette paper from Tony's desk. The paper was moist and oily and tasted of sugar. 'Hmm doughnut' immediately, my stomach started grumbling at the thought. I realised I didn't have breakfast even coffee before coming. "Ouch!" I held my stomach and looked around to see if anyone was watching. I slowly brought the dough encrusted paper to my lips and licked the remnants. I smacked my lips hungrily and would have eaten the paper when a voice jolted me from behind. "What are you doing?" I turned around to see Anna with a long weird look on her face. "And what is this?" She asked again with a disapproving stare I knew was directed at my dressing. "Hey Annie I got your text but...." I tried to explain but she cut me short. "Shh.... Everyone is waiting for you in the board room. You were supposed to be here five minutes ago? What the hell are you doing girl?" "Hey listen, if you're gonna tell me something then do it without the questions. Which do you expect me to answer first?" I asked with a mock smile. "Oh please... Just come with me." Anna looked really cute when she was upset. I tried to hold myself from laughing because I knew what was waiting for me behind those closed doors. Anna gave me one of her 'I will kill you later' looks while she grabbed my arm and whisked me away. Six months after college, I had no job. I was frustrated and sad because most of my mates had fantastic jobs. Emily and Jordan my two best friends worked in Chicago for top news channels. I was about to sink into depression, when a notice from supreme news came in. I was surprised to receive an e-mail of a job offer, I didn't apply for. Richard had taken note of my writings on politics and other aspects on social media, therefore he invited me over for an interview. I was disappointed because it was a small organization which was just starting up. I was also shocked by how much I was going to earn compared to much work I was going to be doing. The salary couldn't offer me a sweet weekend trip to Hawaii whenever I wanted, but it was ok. It had been five years since I joined the company yet there was no talk on promotion, raise or appreciation. Richard had been a pain in the butt boss, squeezing up every juice of creativity in me, just to make his awful newspaper and magazine prosper. I was silent about this, and so were the others but I was the brains behind supreme news and I sure deserved better at the end of every month. I thought of shoving his papers right through his pompous face and British-like nose, quitting my job and starting up a successful blog, but I didn't have the guts. I decided to wait till when I did. My first day in supreme news, was when I went for the job interview. I walked into the building and tried to scrutinize the entire surveillance before my eyes. The ground floor was where the news editors were. Five chairs and tables were arranged nearly and spaciously. Everyone seemed to be occupied by the pile of papers on their desks, laptops and tablets. A middle aged bald headed man walked across the room, exchanging papers with others and collecting some into a file. I climbed upstairs into the creating department. There were just three chairs and tables there. I loved the cool air. The room was big and spacious. I imagined myself working in this department behind one of those fancy desks. I was interrupted by the secretary who guided me to the CEO's office. I was stunned by the appearance of the man who was going to be my boss. Firstly, I was shocked he was black. I thought supreme news was owned by a white man. He was tall, muscular and well built. This was well outlined even in the dark grey suit he wore. His hair was a bit full in the middle and gently plastered by the sides with hair gel. His face was broad and his cheek bones were almost high. He wore a pair of transparent eye glass which I knew was not medicated. I had dressed to impress that morning. It was my first job offer after I was fired fr my last. I wore my blue chiffon blouse which had ruffles at the neckline, matched with my black pencil skirt and fancy black heels with the red bottom. I applied slight makeup which was supervised by Anna my friend. After all, I was voted the prettiest black girl in high school, and the prettiest girl in my department in college. I had confidence in my looks and therefore took that confident stride to supreme news. I was foolish to have the expected that Richard would be impressed by my looks and credentials, which would automatically offer me a spot in news creating, but he was not. After series of questions, I was offered a spot in editing. 'Editing?' I asked internally. I was visibly displeased and I guessed he sensed it cause I did not miss the smirk on his face. I wanted to be a news creator because it was where my potential of pwriting would be maximized most. I was overqualified for the job and Richard knew it as well. He couldn't pay what I deserved as a news creator so he gave me the post the company could afford. That way, he could keep a smart one and use my ideas as well. After all, not every local newspaper could employ a graduate of Harvard university. He gave me one last shocking statement before I left his office. "And learn to dress more appropriately from now on Miss Davies." I nodded with a slight bow and left with so much anger bottled inside of me. I managed a smile at the secretary on my way out. 'Who the hell did he think he was to talk to me like that? And what is wrong with my dressing? His grandmother wishes she could dress the way I did.' I thought angrily. I had to stop myself from exploding with words because I was still within the office premises and I didn't want a reason to be denied the job. "It turned out that the cute prince was a frog after all." I said aloud when I finally exited the building. I got some fresh air and took a bus home. I snapped out of my memories when I remembered I was in big trouble. I entered into the board room to meet everyone from all the departments present at the meeting. The lights were switched on and the projector was set up, like a presentation was going on. Everyone had an identical printed paper on the wide table. The room was silent except for a loud baritone voice that spoke. I could recognise that authoritative voice anywhere. I looked across the room again with one glance and noticed a white man and a white lady seated. I was seeing the for the first time. They looked like wealthy..... 'Oh my God, investors?' I thought the meeting was scheduled for tomorrow. 'Oh no...' I thought regretfully. Richard wasn't going to spare me. My presence at the entrance of the room was noticed almost immediately. Everyone's eyes were focused on me. Then, I realized the implications of my dressing. Richard stopped speaking and rested his gaze fully on me. He scanned my dressing and shook his head disapprovingly. I stepped into the room visibly shaken. "Good morning everyone." I said. "Good morning Miss Davies. You're late." Richard said. "Umm... Yea I was out.. Jo..." I tried to explain but was interrupted by Richard who was visibly angry and disappointed. "Miss Davies could you please wait for me in my office?" Richard asked, gesturing with his hands for me to leave the meeting. I nodded and turned towards the door slowly. I hesitated a bit to hear his final words before I left completely. "So Kate will be pitching for us today. Let us give her a round of appl...." My heart sank at the last statement Richard gave. I turned back to see a malicious smile on Kate's face in my direction. I bowed my head and walked out of the meeting. Kate was my rival at supreme news. She was black, pretty and smart just as I was. She worked in editing and sealing this deal with the investors would secure her a spot at news creating. I felt so sad, that opportunity would have been mine. Supreme news was about to secure it's biggest deal in history and Richard could not take any risk. The project was initially assigned to the advertising department by Richard, but their ideas were not good enough. That day, Richard was so upset that the advertising department could not come up with any reasonable idea. Then, he asked for random ideas from anyone in the board room. I learnt a lot at the school of journalism, which included advertisement. I had great ideas and I felt that tight lurch in my chest, I knew this was my moment. I stood up in my shaky heels and pitched my rough ideas on the type of advertisement the brand needed, and how to put supreme news right in the middle of it all to gain popularity. Richard was so impressed and his face was lit up with a ray of hope. He patted my back and applauded me for what seemed to be eternity. He handed over the project to me which was tagged 'bold,' and promised me a job at news creating department , if the project was approved. I could see the anger and jealousy on Kate's face. Kate was not only interested in the deal, but also in Richard I guessed. She wore tight fitting dresses that accentuated with her curves and always made sure I noticed her new outfit or hairdo, like she was in a competition with me over Richard. Kate must have felt on top of the world to have been given such a big opportunity. She was good and sadly, I knew she would do well. I felt like a dumb ass for throwing such an opportunity away. I sat down and cried silently. CHAPTER TWO. "Not only did you arrive here late, you also arrived with no ideas at all. Now tell me Jewel, what were you planning to present on Monday if you have nothing today?" Richard shouted while we were in his office. The door was closed but it was a glass compartment and everyone could see us. Richard was visibly upset. "Richard I tried... But..." I tried to explain but was cut short. "But nothing. Nothing Jewel, you had nothing. You were practically speechless in front of the investors." "Take a good look at how you are dressed, as a professional journalist." He gesticulated with his palms up and down to illustrate how displeased he was by my dressing. "Where the hell are you coming from? Huh?" Richard asked. He was so angry his eyes were popping and his veins were sticking out from his neck. "Exactly! If only you would just listen to me for once and hear my own side of the story, you would have known where." I replied back defiantly. I was infuriated by the fact that he was talking to me rudely because he was the boss. I knew standing up to him could cost me my job but I was prepared for the worst that could come. "What?" Richard asked with disbelief. He was surprised by my sudden outburst. He was familiar with the sweet, easily agreeing Jewel. "Jogging. I was out jogging at six twenty-five when your stupid text comes in through Anna, asking me to be here in ten minutes. Tell me how could that be possible?" I asked advancing towards him with so much confidence I was secretly amazed at. "Jewel?" Richard said my name with so much uncertainty, doubting if I was the one. It was so funny I had to keep myself from laughing to be taken seriously. "What Jewel? Now I ask you, is six twenty the time for resumption? What is the time for resumption?" I asked rhetorically. "And why do I feel y'all conspired against me cause I came in here to meet everyone well seated at an odd hour of the day. Why didn't I get pre-informed?" I asked furiously in my high pitched black-girl voice. "What are you talking about?" "Exactly what you can hear Richard. No notifications yesterday, all you said was get ready for Monday and see you tomorrow." I tried to mimick his voice yesterday. "I specifically told Johnny to send a text to everyone to be here by six-thirty. " Richard said, sincerely puzzled by everything. His eyebrows were puckered in concentration. “I told Johnny to send a text to you all to be here by six-thirty.” Richard explained. He seemed puzzled by everything and his brows were now knitted in concentration. He was frustrated when he realized he was no longer in control of the situation. “Text? I received nothing but the one which came from Anna this morning.” “I got a late call from the investors yesterday after closing hours. I called Johnny and asked him to inform everyone especially you Jewel to prepare a short presentation tomorrow.” Richard explained. Johnny was the head of everything computerized. He collated documents, dispersed news, and chose graphic fonts and designs. He was a young computer genius in his early twenties. “Then Johnny must have forgotten to send me a message.” I said calmly. “pardon me Miss Davies for all I said. It wasn’t your fault. I shall have this investigated.” He said in a pleading tone. “It’s alright, but what happens now?” “well it’s so unfortunate that the investors wanted to meet the person who would be pitching on Monday, they wanted to ascertain the capability of the person because their board members and the press would be present.” Richard said sadly. The last thing I wanted was for someone to pity me. I knew what he was driving at but I still waited for him to hit the nail on the head. “so, what does that mean?” I asked. “I already presented Kate to them before you came in….she would be pitching on Monday. If I hadn’t done that, the investors would’ve thought we weren’t serious and they would’ve backed out of the deal. I’m so sorry Jewel.” “Richard you see… I didn’t work really hard day and night for the past one month just to hear this.” I said in a bitter tone. I was so heartbroken. I pointed my index finger at him to illustrate how hurt I was. My hands strayed unconsciously to brush away the strands of hair that played with my face. I cupped my face in both hands and was about to walk out. “Jewel wait. I am sorry for all this and I want to give you another chance at something else if you do not mind. For your hard work and dedication all these years.” Richard said. I knew he had an ace up his sleeves because he never thought of offering me a promotion all these years for the reasons he just stated but I decided to hear him out nonetheless. “Kate would be pitching her ideas on Monday but I would like you to assist her. Do not include your ideas because the investors have already approved the ideas Kate outlined. I just want you guys to work together to improve the ideas Kate already has. If you guys pull this through, you both get to work at news creating. How’s that?” Richard asked, expectantly. I wanted to refuse but I nodded silently and excused myself. I went into the editing department where I worked to talk to Anna before heading home for a change of clothes. Anna was editing this week’s fashion news to be published on supreme magazine when she saw me. Anna was a really tidy person even at work. The files on her desk were neatly piled up at the edge, her desktop was neatly arranged at the centre. Beside her, a cup of coffee and doughnut with sprinkles were seating idly. I smiled within when my stomach grumbled at the sight. I was hungry. “Hey baby. Did Richie fire your butt?” Anna asked with so much concern. She stood up and came to stand beside my desk. I explained everything that happened to me. Anna had been my best friend since I started working at supreme news. We met there and became really close to each other. She was black just as I was. Anna was carefree and didn’t really mind whether she got a promotion but she encouraged me in everything. She was the closest thing I had to family when I parted with my childhood friends after college. Emily and Jordan were my best friends since elementary school. We attended the same high school and college together. After graduation, they got really cool jobs with prominent news stations. Emily was married to a rich pilot while Jordan was still single, I garnered from social media. They were both doing great and I wasn’t. They became out of my league so I deliberately stalled behind until I was cut off. While Anna and I were talking, Kate came in and smiled triumphantly in my direction. That was a really mean and crafty smile I recognized very well especially from the days of my early friendship with Emily. It didn’t take me long to realize that she sabotaged me. “you b***h!” I shouted angrily charging towards her. She was lucky for the timely intervention of Anna who prevented me from smacking her across the face. Anna held my left arm tightly until she was able to gain control of my whole body. Anna was much bigger than I was in size, soon she was able to subdue me. “Kate how could you?” Anna asked while holding onto me. “Jeez! How violent can you be Jewel? Behave or I will be forced to report you to Richie and you know that means you’re out of the bold project.” Kate said maliciously while using her palm to fan her face. “I wish I could tear you to shreds. But don’t worry I will not loose my job because of a crook like you.” I said angrily and backed out.