Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Amina
"Me apologize? For what?" Her lips broke into a fit of laughter. She bored her bubble eyes onto mine.
"Do I look like someone who would apologize for something I didn't do wrong?"
"Well, you don't know who you're messing with. I'm not the type of girl who would idle around and let people insult her. So while I'm being calm, apologize". I waited for her to at least show a change of expression instead she nudges my arm harshly that I almost lost balance.
"You just began working today and I can make you leave today, so you better maintain yourself."
"And what if I don't. I would like to see that" I retorted equally without any once of fear in my eyes. I fear no one. Only my creator.
“Are you challenging me?”. Her voice came out as a mockery tone as she took step towards me. I didn’t react nor move an inch. The look on her face didn’t scare of a bit, rather I was waiting to see what she would do.
“What is going on here?”. Came Cindy’s voice. Fareeda immediately backed off as if she was caught stealing chocolates.
“Fareeda” Cindy called.
“Yes Ma”
“I hope it’s not what I’m thinking. Did you try-”.Fareeda cut her off by turning towards me with a smile.
“I was just showing the newbie how Mr.Ahmad wants his coffee. Right?” I didn’t miss the sarcastic tone dripping from her voice. She will know who Amina is.
“No” I stated turning around to face Cindy whose arms were folded together. Her brows knit in question. She glances at Fareeda back to me.
“Can you explain what is going on?” She question again. Fareeda was about to open her mouth but I beat her to it.
“You see Miss Cindy, I’m not that familiar with everything considering it’s my first day. As I entered the kitchen, Fareeda here started bombarding me on not knocking before entering….”. I explained everything to her. No addition or subtraction.
“What is wrong with you Fareeda? Why do you always try to bully every newbie at the company. Or is it because you’re higher than them in position?” My back was rested on the counter as I watch the two. The look on Fareeda’s face was priceless. It was as if, she wasn’t the same person who throws daggers at me.
“It’s not what you’re thinking Ma. I was-”
“No Fareeda. This is not the first time you did something like this. Please if you need help do say it because I don’t understand why you’re doing this” Cindy rubbed her hands on her temples. I stare at the girl who was fidgeting with her fingers. So it means this is not the first time she’s acting all prideful and arrogant. Is she really well? My thoughts were cut short when Cindy called my name.
“Amina”
“Yes Ma” Since I heard Fareeda calling her Ma, she must be the head in the office.
“You can go and continue with your work. I will make the coffee for Mr.Ahmad. Later I will call you and explain the details.”
“Okay Ma”. I made my way to the door with Fareeda behind me. Before I place my hand on the door handle, she beat me to it walking past me. I didn’t miss the hiss that resonates out of her lips. I shake my head and also left.
**
Today was hectic or I will rather say exhausting. Though I didn't do much today, Cindy being the one who help me with most of the work so that I will get familiar with it. And I'm glad she did because I don't know a thing about all the Secretary thing or anything pertaining construction. After the little bickering between me and Fareeda, she throws dagger in my direction in whatever chance she gets. The nicest thing I did is ignored her. I came for work not to get into fights with people and not to forget my Mama's words about causing trouble.
"Amina make sure you lock the drawers before leaving and take the keys with you. That way it will be more safe" Cindy said plopping her small clutch bag around her shoulder together with her water bottle or should I say juice bottle. I don't know exactly what is inside. She has been sipping it from time to time. I nodded my head and did as instructed. Arranging the rest of the document I was going through all day, I carried my bag too and together we left. Fareeda and Nonso has left already. The guy barely utter a word.
As we made our way downstairs, just in time Ahmad is also getting out of his office, his face in a stoic expression.
"Good day Sir". Cindy greeted while I started ahead waiting for elevator door to open itself. Cindy tapped me on the shoulder which made me turn over to her.
"You didn't greet Mr. Ahmad" she whispered to my ear. My brow raised in question as I try to take in what she just whispered to me.
"Am I supposed to keep greeting him?" I retorted back with a question. Last time I check, through out our visit to his office, we uttered the word 'Good day sir" to the extent that my lips are beginning to hurt. Cindy stare back with an equal raised brows.
"I think we need to have a serious talk tomorrow." The elevator door open and Ahmad got in instantly.
"Are you both going to keep standing there? Get in" Came his bossy voice. We got in too and he presses the button to the down floor.
The journey to our destination was in utter silence nothing was spoken between us besides what will we say apart from standing idle beside our bus. Not to talk of how my heart escalates by the elevator moving. I think it will take time before I get familiar with it.
"Good Night Boss. Good night Amina. Have a nice day". Cindy bade me farewell before hailing a bike. I stare at the almost busy street as car passed by each with the place they are headed to.
"If you're done staring then we can go on our way" Ahmad's voice revamped from somewhere down to my ears. Averting my attention from the road, he was nowhere to be found. Hope he didn't went ahead leaving me all alone when I don't know anyone in the state of Abuja. Just as I was about to cuss him, a horn sounded behind me as I was so occupied with the information of my boss leaving me alone in front of his company, I ignored the it. It sounded again which made me snapped my eyes shut ready to give the person a piece of my mind but when I turned around, my lips were suddenly glued together. The car I was about to lash out on actually belongs to Ahmad. My lips forms a thin line. Making my way towards them, I opened the front door as per his orders that I will be sitting at the front while he will sit at the back seat.
"Good afternoon Miss Amina." The Nabil guy greeted offering me a smile. I nodded my head and return the smile too.
"If I'm not mistaken, I feel like you are about to murder us with your glares just few minutes again." He said again.
"Me?" I point to myself. "You must be mistaken, I didn't do such thing"
"But I saw it with my two eyes the kind of look on your face". I took my time in accessing the guy. He was dressed in the clothe he wore this morning. It was as if he know I was looking at him, he turned his face and our eyes met.
"Am I right?" He uttered. I find myself rolling my eyes.
"No you're not. First thing I didn't do such thing and secondly, what made you think I do want to murder you and the boss and why would I?" I ushered through gritted teeth.
"Can you two stop disturbing me this late afternoon. I have a headache and you want to add up to it. And you Nabil, focus on your driving. I don't like too much noise". And that's it. Our mouth were sealed together since the boss has spoken. To be honest, I have even forgotten about him sitting inside the car. I was so engrossed with the Nabil. He seems to be the type of guy who poke nose in matters that doesn't concern him. And if that's how he is then we will surely not get along. I decided to rest myself comfortably on the seat and gaze at the road up to our way back home.
The gate was being opened by the gateman who I came to know as Mallam Audu. Nabil parked the car in the parking lot and we got out. I carried my bag and some papers Cindy gave me to study for the night. Ahmad was still seated without moving an inch. Both me and Nabil glance at each other, having the same thought as to why he's still seated inside. I choose not to poke my nose on his matter. I don't know maybe he got a reason for not getting out. I turned around and was about to descend to the front door when I heard his voice.
"Is this the way to treat your boss?" He said from behind me then appearing beside. I shifted a little seeing how he was almost closed to my body
"I don't understand" I asked. He stuffed his hands in his pocket. Wait? I thought he was holding a briefcase? My curiously didn't get over me when Nabil walked towards us with the briefcase.
"Gashi Sir ( Here it is sir)" Nabil outstretched his hand containing the briefcase.
"Give her" he said. My mouth was left open when Nabil turned the suitcase to me. Before I could find a chance to talk he was already out of sight. I didn't miss the smirk that dangled at the corner of his lips. Now I'm left with Nabil who was staring at me like I'm some sort of medal.
"Um, can you please help me with it. You can see my hands are packed with this".
Nabil nodded his head. "You have nothing to worry about but I suggest next time you use a big bag that way you can stuff everything inside." He starting it again.
"And don't mind my pokiness that's how I am. I always point out what I think is right." He let out a smile, the dimple on his right cheeks didn't go unnoticed by me. For the first time I find myself staring at a man longer than I normally do.