Rising

Belleview’s Visit

       I walked in where the employees were, and there was complete chaos. They were all talking over each other, but silenced as soon as they saw me.

      “What seems to be the problem here?” I asked as I walked to the front of the room while no one mentioned a word “now you’re all quiet?”

      I leaned against a table with my hands in my pockets, just casually standing there. I waited for a few minutes, but no one dared to speak.

     “Come on everyone, tell me what’s the problem?” I asked again, and one of the ladies in the back stood up.

     “Mr. Belleview, we all know how kind of boss you are, but we were questioning your decision of hiring a new employee to be your brother’s cleaning lady,” I raised my eyebrows and took a deep breath.

     “Well, Maria. I understand your concern, but there is a reason I did this. I know you’ve all been here for a long time, but my brother knows you all, and I need a new person to work for him. I will explain to you all soon what my intentions are” 

     “Why can’t you tell us now, sir?” she asked, and I just looked at everyone, noticing their curious faces.

     “I wish I could, but one thing I want to ask all of you, please make her feel welcome” I said, and they all looked at each other. After a successful meeting, I decided to head home, so I went to let Minerva know her day was over too.

     “Is Michael in the office?” I asked, and she shook her head.

      “No, he said he will pay someone a visit” she replied. Something told me he would not pay just anyone a visit, so I headed over to Minerva’s apartment.

******

     I was watching a movie in English so I could learn a little. After searching, I found a romantic comedy. I had popcorn in my hand when I heard a knock on the door. As soon as I opened, my heart dropped, and I was afraid.

    “Hello, little roach” he said, offending me. Tears wanted to fall, but I didn’t have time for that.

     “Don’t call me roach, sir. I am a human being” I replied, trying to must up all the courage I could. He towered over me as I was backing up until I hit the wall.

      “To me you are. And while you’re working for me, I will squish you like one. You will wish you didn’t work for me,” he threatened.

     “Well, I am sorry, sir. I will work hard and I don’t care you are the big boss. You need to have manners. Remember, the taller they are, the harder they fall,” I said and I could notice some anger rising from him. 

     “You dare insult me?”

     “You insulted me first, and in someone else’s house. You think you own everything, well you are wrong, sir. You don’t!” I raised my voice. If I kept insulting him, my work life would be even more miserable with him.

      He raised his hands to grab me, and I was struggling to get out of them. In the middle of the struggle, I didn’t realize I raised my hand and slapped him hard. He let me go as he looked somewhere else instead of me.

     “You will pay for this. I will make your life hell,” he said.

      “You dare, and I will make yours hell” I heard Jayden by the door and I let out a sigh of relief. Michael looked at him and laughed.

      “Well, here comes your savior. Just in time, because I would not waste my breath with you anymore,” he said.

     “You should have thought of that before coming here to insult me” I said crossing my arms on my chest. He looked at me over his shoulder and left, bumping Jayden on the way out. 

      “Are you okay?” He asked, concerned.

       “I am fine, thank you. He’s intimidating, I don’t know how I’m going to work for him” I chuckled. 

       “You will be fine. Did you eat?” He asked and I shook my head. He took the phone out and ordered take-out. After an hour, they arrived and we were enjoying the food. 

       “So, any family back home?” He asked, catching me by surprise. I nodded and put the fork down.

    "I have a grandma back home. She is sick, and that is why I came here. I needed to help her with medicines and anything else she might need. I put my head down, and he lifted my chin.

    "It's okay. You will be able to help her soon. If you need anything, I can help. You just need to ask"

    "No, no. I want to do this for myself. I already owe you too much. I don't want to take advantage" I replied and he just shrugged his shoulder.

    "I don't mind, I love helping" he said with a glow in his eyes.

    "It is not right. You love to help everyone, but by doing that, they take advantage of you and you have been so kind and selfless" I said, holding his hand. He rubbed my knuckles and looked at me as he inched closer to my face. He almost brushed my lips, but I pulled back and stood up from the chair to throw away the garbage.

    "I really appreciate what you did and for checking up on me. But it would be better if you didn't, I don't want anyone to think I sleep with you for the job," I said, as I heard him scoff.

    "Let them think what they want. You and me know it's not true" for some reason those words really hurt me. I don't know why, but I was hoping he agreed with me on that.

    'No, Niray. You just met him yesterday, what the hell is wrong with you?' I thought to myself as he walked over with the dishes. 

    "Well, I will have to go. I will pick you up early tomorrow"

    "No! I will walk or take the bus or anything. No one can see me arriving with you," I said, and he knew how uncomfortable that was for me, so he agreed.

    "Well, then. I see you tomorrow" he kissed my cheek and I could feel the heat coming up to my cheeks.

    At least I knew I had one friend to rely on, and I was sure I would need him more than I expect.