It wasn't an easy task working for my boss, Mrs Stacey. Most of my colleagues lived in fear of her. They were practically afraid of her. Always walking on eggshells around her office, me included. Never knowing when she would blow out at you for some perceived error or mistake. Her sharp mouth made matters worse. Those mouths were like sharp knives, able to cut through the thickest of people, causing severe pain and damage. She was a master at belittling people. Those mouths of hers were ever ready to crush anyone who dared speak back at her. Not to talk of her countenace he had a harsh demeanor and could make a person feel so worthless just by a single look. Her employees trembled whenever she was around.
Mrs Stacey was the CEO of Stacey's Fashion House, where I worked. She had an undeniable talent when it came to the fashion world. She was a smart, intelligent and successful business manager. But her success came at a cost. She had a reputation for overworking her employees, squeezing every last drop of productivity she could get out of them with little to no pat in the back for their hard work. She was the stingiest of all the bosses I have ever come in contact with. The way she treated her workers I would dare say we're inhumane.
I tried to put up the best smile I could foster on my face as I walked up to her office. It was Monday and the beginning of a new week. I tried convincing myself to think positive and not let anyone ruin my day. However, the uncontrollably shaking of my hands said otherwise. I was frantic. An hour ago, she asked me to see her in her office when I was done with the weaving. My colleagues who were around at that time looked at me with pity. Usually, when she called in someone for a "private talk", as we jokingly called it, that person was doomed. It was either he or she was about to receive the most horrible insults they had ever gotten in their life or he or she was about to be fired in the worst possible way.
As I walked down the hallway, the same hallway we all dreaded as it was the only route to her office, I couldn't help the goosebumps I felt on my skin. The erratic beating of my heart did nothing to help the situation. My palms were all sweaty and cold. Everyone stared at me like I was about to be hanged or crucified.
With a lump in my throat, I forced my head up and managed to put one foot on the other. As I got to the door knob, I took a deep breath, desperately trying to take in as much air as I could, and then made my way into her office.
"Good morning ma". I didn't fail to greet her.
She looked up from her desk and stared at who had just interrupted her from whatever she was doing.
"You asked to see me" I said quickly before she would rain insults at me.
I could see the realization in her eyes as she replied
"Yes, I did."
"Please have a seat" she said.
I was dumbfounded. I couldn't help but remain unmoved. I stood there with uncertainty. The polite words she used were definitely unusual. Not to talk of letting me sit. The number of times I and my fellow co-workers had been in this room, she had never allowed any of us to have a seat. We were always on attention, standing straight and upright and here she was telling me to sit down. She was being dangerously nice and kind today, and I didn't know what to make of that.
"I said have a seat" She repeated, forcing me out of my deep thinking.
I forced my legs to move to where the seat was, and reluctantly sat down on the chair.
"Miss DivineFavour..." she started.
"Your efforts and dedication to this enterprise has not gone unnoticed and for that I would like to give you a raise in your salary and a promotion," she said.
" I sat still, letting the words sink in. Was I dreaming or do miracles truly happen? I thought to myself. Unable to hold myself any longer, I thanked her profusely, making sure she knew how grateful I was for the promotion and everything. When I had finally come out of her office, I was met with expectant faces waiting eagerly to hear how it went. They all dragged me to a table in the corner, sat me down and asked me to begin talking.
I looked at my colleagues with amusement. Their eagerness was endearing. After I had finished explaining all that happened and what transpired, everyone had a surprised look.
"Who knew our madam could be this kind" Cherish, my senior colleague said.
" This only happens once in a blue moon", another of my co-workers said.
" Once in a blue moon indeed" I concurred with them.
