Genius Daughter Of What Was Broken

Chapter 5: Reinstatement

Only to realize it was a bird at the corner of the porch roof flying out from its nest. The disappointment made them hiss in unison as they began walking toward the car with frustration and disappointment etched across their faces.

Mr. Tank, dismayed, was already drowning in his thoughts. Thinking of an explanation to give to the CEO, flicking his hair back and wishing for Alice to spring out of the blue.

But his wishful thoughts finally came to fruition when they heard the sound of Alice’s door opening. Immediately, they turned and saw Alice sticking out her head from the door, staring at them with drowsy eyes.

His heart lit up with joy, catching his breath, pausing to savor the moment. Smile stretching his cheeks as he started walking back to the door.

Mia, suddenly excited and giggling, rushed into the arms of Alice and hugged her tightly, pathing her on the back.

The tightness of the hug made Alice a little uncomfortable, causing her to widen her eyes in discomfort as their boss stood on the stairs, watching with a smile and his hands wrapped behind his back.

“Hi, boss,” Alice said with a big grin. She quickly loosened her arms, allowing Mia to step aside. She took a few steps forward and met her boss halfway. They shared a warm hug, followed by a brief exchange of pleasantries, before she eventually invited them inside as they settled down.

The room felt stuffy, darkness occupying most part of the house. Alarm beeping with low battery, the TV was off, bulbs were off. The air conditioner inactive, it felt like an abandoned house.

Mia and Mr. Tank immediately noticed, and stayed silent for a moment until the stuffiness became unbearable, forcing them to start fanning themselves with their hands, a sight that embarrassed Alice. She walked to the windows, slid them open and rolled up the curtains, allowing air to flow in.

“What can I offer you guys,” Alice asked with an awkward smile, staring at their faces, eager to hear their response.

“I’m fine. Thanks! My stomach is too weak for anything now,” Mr. Tank replied with a gentle wave of hand.

Alice turned to Mia, but she gave a quick nod, signaling she didn’t want anything. The lifeless feel of the house, and its stuffy atmosphere had already taken away her appetite for anything. She was more focused on getting some air.

Realizing the possible reason for their responses, Alice nodded reluctantly, walked to the couch and sank into it with her arms and legs crossed.

“Alice, you had us worried. We tried contacting you, but it never went through. On arrival, your doorbell didn’t respond, so we started knocking. Now it all makes sense why the doorbell wasn’t working,” Mr. Tank said in a concerned tone, lips tightening, staring at her for answers.

“My phone died, that’s pretty much it. I’m sorry for making you guys worried,” Alice shrugged, despair lingering in her eyes.

“Apparently, it’s not just your cellphone. Your bulbs are off, the TV ain’t on. The air conditioner isn’t on, your refrigerator is also off. You basically don’t have power, what is happening?” Mia pressed, staring at Alice with dropped jaw and parted lips, hoping to get a detailed explanation.

“Wow! That’s some serious observation. Since you got it all figured out, then you have your answer.” Alice snapped.

“Oh come on! Don’t be such a child. Surely you can give us an explanation—pretty please!” Mia pleaded desperately, finally softening Alice’s heart for an explanation.

“Well, my power was cut off because I was behind in payments. I didn’t have enough to pay for it, there you have it.”

“How long have you been without power?” Mia pressed further, curiosity lacing her voice.

“A while now,” Alice exhaled deeply, ran her hands through her hair, and finally tied it back with a hairband.

“So you’re broke?” Mia leaned forward, curious to hear her response.

“Pretty much, yes. When you’re out of work for more than two months without pay, it’s only normal to run out of money,” Alice revealed, drumming her fingers on the arms of the couch with several nods.

“I’m so sorry to hear that. I tried pleading on your behalf to get your job back, but that son of a b***h refused my plea, stating that you declined his offer. My hands were tied, I didn’t know what else to do,” Mr. Tank apologized, hoping it would ease her nerves.

“It’s alright, boss. It’s not your fault. I can take care of myself, just gotta find another job soon!”

“An Offer? What kind of offer was that?” Mia leaned back, her eyes widening with curiosity.

“The son of a b***h came here the next day and asked me to beg on my knees before I could get my job back, imagine the nerve. But I declined his lame offer” Alice chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Well, that’s a typical behavior from him. He does what he wants and likes it when everyone dances to the rhythm of his music,” Mia smirked, glancing at them.

“Well, I’m not one of those who would dance to the rhythm of his music. I was supposed to be suspended for two weeks, but it’s been over two months with no official layoff notice from the company, which has me wondering why you guys are here,” Alice tilted her head, darting her eyes between them, curious.

“Yes, technically you didn’t get fired. You were suspended for two weeks, which ended up lasting more than that. But I’ve got good news, the CEO wants you back right away,” Mr. Tank informed with a smiling face, hoping the news would lighten her mood.

“Why the sudden hurry? Didn’t he go on for over two months without my services?”

“Yes, he did. But there was drastic drop in monthly revenue, which he wasn’t pleased with. He demanded answers, and I told him that your replacement wasn’t as good as you, so he instructed me to fire him immediately and reinstate you, which I did,” Mr. Tank sighed, tapping his feet nervously, hoping she doesn’t decline the offer.

“Well, you’re in luck because I’m still jobless. I will accept your offer, but I won’t resume right away, gotta pawn a few things to try and raise some money. I only got four bucks on me, that won’t be enough to get me through the month,” Alice said. Her eyebrows lifting and her four head wrinkling.

“I got a few bucks me on that can get you through the month, you should have it. Congratulations, Alice. I guess I will be seeing you tomorrow,” Mr. Tank smiled, handing her the money as she received it with a polite nod.

“Thanks, boss! I will see you guys tomorrow.” Standing up from the couch, she walked to the manager and hugged him tightly. After letting go, she turned to Mia and gave her a hug with a path on the back before they started heading outside.

She stood on the porch, watching and waving at them until they ducked into the car and zoomed off. She walked back in and began preparation for the next day, relief creeping up her spine.

The day ended in a flash, and the next day arrived in a blur. It felt refreshing—more refreshing than usual, filling Alice with relief and satisfaction. She quickly got up, got ready and headed to work. Upon arriving at the gate, the security guard opened it and smiled at her as they exchanged a nod in greeting.

Justin, standing on the balcony and sipping his morning coffee, locked eyes with Alice walking toward the building entrance door, flicking her hair back and adjusting her dark sunglasses.

Immediately, his appetite disappeared. His stomach started tingling with anger as he smashed the coffee cup on the floor, quickly walking down the stairs, furiously running after Alice with anger swelling inside him.