Amina
“Sir is something wrong?” I began folding my hands together and waited for him to speak up. What I didn’t expect is to see him standing in front me, handing me a brown file. My brows fiddled in confusion as my eyes went from the brown file back to him.
“What is this sir?” I asked taking it from his outstretched hands.
“See it for yourself ” was what he managed to answer me while leaning his back on the desk folding his arms across his chest. I accessed the file first which was unmistakably old before opening the cover. My eyes coming in contact with a design. I don't know what it is about, but it looks like a building and by the looks of it, it's not an ordinary one. The blueprint is a lot similar to the one I saw back at his office. Yet, it's a lot better that it.
“To answer your question, it’s a project we’ll be working on.”
“We?” I repeated. How many more project is he going to build. And why is he getting me involved in this and not the other one's.
“Yes. Aren't you my Secretary. I didn't expect to hear this as an answer. Without wasting more time, I want us to make a deal” he reached for a white paper beside him.
“This is a big project which will bring a lot of fortune to the company. I'm not the only one that will benefit. You'll also get your share” for some unknown reason, I find his statement suspicious. What does that have to do with me and most of all why are we making a deal.
“You just have to do as I say” he added. At that moment, I knew I had to step up and talk. I can't just agree without a solid reason. So I did what I know is the best for me.
“Excuse me sir. For me to make a deal with you, I need to know what the project is all about and why. You choose me to be part of it. As far as I know, I'm not that skilled in the job. Cindy, Fareeda and Nonso, they're all professional in the job one way or the other. So....” I trailed off seeing his changed expression.
“Is this the way to talk to your boss? You're always faster than your shadow. Did I say I won't explain the details to you. And besides, I expect you to be happy. This is an opportunity for you. Even Cindy, Fareeda, Nonso and whatsoever didn't get this. So I didn't see the reason for raising a question”
“But Sir-”
“I hired you for a reason, so I expect you to be obedient and respectful to your employer. I will leave the file to you to go through it, we'll have a meeting a tomorrow” I was left mouth agape watching him trekking back to his desk. One word disturbed me. I hired you for a reason.
For what reason? His statement hold a meaning to it. It might be true my job here was all being planned out. Yet, I don't know how to go on about it. What exactly are they hiding?
His voice snapped me out of my thinking. “The most important thing I would like you to know is to be careful with that file. It contains a confidential information and losing it might get you in trouble. You can leave” He waved his hand ushering me out. My legs were heavy as I walked out of the room leaning my back on the nearest wall. I stared at the file once again.
AY was written on the front cover. God know how long it has been kept without use. Thought after thought kept skimming through Emmy head as I made my way towards my room.
“Ouch!” A voice yelp from beside me. Abida stood clutching her arm. Her face scrunched in a frown.
“Amimi what are you thinking ne that you didn't notice that you bump into me” she lazily uttered pressing on her arm.
“Sorry I didn't notice. Are you heading to my room?” I asked seeing that she's almost closed to my door.
“Yes fah. I need you to help me out with something”
“Its not something scary” she added noticing my resistant. I heaved out a sigh. “I hope so. Let's go” adjusting the file tightly, we headed to my room together.
**
Morning came faster than I expected or maybe because we stayed up all night with Abida with troubles. She wants to start a clothing line so we stayed up to come up with a business plan. Had I known I will wake up with bags under my eyes, I would've declined her right from the start. But what has been done has already been done.
First, Mr Ahmad thought I have them because I stayed up to read through the files when I didn't even check It. I slid it inside my bag the way he gave me. God knows I will be inn trouble if we're to hold an early morning meeting because I know I will mess things up. Secondly, Imran and Nabil gave me a weird look also. While the cause of it was sleeping soundly because she doesn't have school while I have.
Throughout my walk to th office, people are giving me weird look. I made a mental note to get a glasses in case of any emergency like the situation I'm in at the moment.
“Good morning peeps” I commenced the moment I set my foot in the office.
“Morning Am-”
“What happened to your eyes dear?” Cindy was the first person to speak up watching me curiously. I knew it they'll definitely ask. Snapping my eyes shut, I opened them again.
“Yeah I'm fine. Nothing serious ” I ushered with a smile. I didn't miss the look Nonso and fareeda were giving me especially Fareeda whose face held some kind of meaning. Brushing off the thoughts, I settle my things taking out the file to read in case Mr.Ahmad A.K.A my boss decided to call for a meeting.
Five minuets passed by with my attention solely focused on what I was reading. Even after reading a particular line so many times, I still didn't understand everything fully. Yet, its still better than not reading at all.
“Hajiya Amina how far?” I almost flinch at Fareeda's voice. Lifting up my eyes away from what I was reading, I bore it on her standing figure.
“Hajiya Fareeda fine. How are you doing?” I asked too.
“I’m fine. Are you okay?” I know she won't let it slide. Her personality is almost the same with Abida. I need to give them a serious piece of my mind one day.
“I’m fine what do you see?” the corner of her lips curved up. “Nothing. I'm here to tell you Mr.Ahmad called for a meeting.”