A Step Into The Unknown

Onika’s POV

Everyone gasped, and for two reasons. Firstly, the president of our company, notorious for his ruthless decisions, was rumored to be a very wicked and mean person. He fired and changed employees as fast as the wind, leaving a trail of broken dreams and shattered careers.

Secondly, everybody was afraid of him, and he wasn't even present in our branch, yet his presence was felt like a dark shadow looming over us. I remembered the last time he once visited our branch, and with a single stroke of his pen, he fired our branch manager for "incompetence," a term he used to describe anyone who dared to disagree with him.

"Oh my fuck," Pat whispered, snapping us out of our own worlds.

"Language, Pat," Raelynn chided, rolling her eyes.

"Who do you think would've given that awful position?" I asked, looking at both of them with my eyes full of confusion and dread.

"I'm already feeling sorry for the unlucky soul," Pat said, shaking her head.

"On the bright side, people say he's a drop-dead gorgeous piece of candy," Raelynn said with dreamy eyes, trying to lighten the mood.

"And how do you know that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, "seeing that no one can find a single picture of him on the internet?" I asked with a more curious look.

Just then, Mrs. Taylor, our branch manager, walked up to the podium, her heels clicking on the floor.

"The board has made their decision," she announced, her eyes scanning the room. "So, the position of assistant to the president of our company would be awarded to no other than..." she paused, and I could literally hear and taste the drop-dead silence, as everybody prayed for their safety.

"Miss Kenneth Onika," I heard her announce, and I felt time legit slow down and then stop. I could see Pat and Raelynn turn to me with hands covering their mouths and their eyes filled with nothing but pity.

The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and gasps, but I was too numb to move or say a word.

"Onika!!!" Raelynn called out, trying to shake me out of my trance. "

All promoted employees should report to my office with immediate effect to get their letter of deployments stamped and signed, meeting adjourned," Mrs. Taylor said, her voice firm and commanding.

As the room dispersed, Pat and Raelynn rushed to my side, their faces filled with concern. "What am I going to do, guys?" I finally said, my voice shaking.

"You can always decline the offer," Raelynn suggested, but I knew I couldn't. I needed this promotion, not just for myself, but for my mother, who was counting on me to move her out of our cramped apartment and into a better life.

"It might not be as bad as it sounds," Pat said, trying to reassure me. "You're one of the most hardworking girls I know, Onika. Working directly under the boss might not be bad as it seems or as 'people' say."

"But what if it's true?" I asked, my mind racing with all the rumors I had heard about the president's ruthless tactics. "What if he's as bad as everyone says?"

"We'll be with you every step of the way," Raelynn said, squeezing my hand. "We'll make sure you're okay."

"But what about the rumors?" I pressed. "What about all the people he's fired and destroyed?"

"Those are just rumors, Onika," Pat said. "You can't believe everything you hear. Besides, you're not just anyone. You're smart and capable. You can handle this."

I nodded, trying to convince myself that Pat was right. But the doubt lingered, like a shadow in the back of my mind.

"Let's go," Pat said, dragging me out of the conference room and into the unknown. As we walked, the weight of the promotion settled on my shoulders like a heavy burden. I knew I had to be brave, to face whatever challenges lay ahead, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had taken up residence in my heart.

"We need to go now; we are supposed to be in the office like 10 minutes ago," Raelynn said, glancing at her watch.

"Yeah, let's go," I said, taking a deep breath. "I can do this."

"I know you can," Pat said, smiling. "You're going to be great, Onika."

I smiled back, trying to feel more confident. But as we walked out of the building and into the bright sunlight, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change forever

..........

Pat, Raelynn, and I hurried to Mrs. Taylor's office, aware we were running late. We burst in, slightly out of breath, and apologized for the delay. The room was filled with at least 17 candidates, all seated and facing each other. Mrs. Taylor's desk was in the center, and we quickly took our seats.

"Thank you for joining us," Mrs. Taylor said with a hint of sarcasm. Pat apologized again, and we settled in, focusing on Mrs. Taylor's words.

"As I was saying, you will all be at headquarters by next Monday at the latest. Flights have been booked, and accommodations arranged by management. Please note that each house is a 5-bedroom apartment, which you will share until you decide to move out. The houses are located in the company's estate, close to the company premises."

Just then, her phone rang, and she answered, momentarily interrupting the briefing. Raelynn whispered, "Oh my gosh, we're going to be roommates!" I shushed her, not wanting to draw attention.

Mrs. Taylor continued, "You will all be assigned roommates until you choose to move out. In front of you is a tray with envelopes containing your names. Inside, you'll find your flight tickets, recruitment letters, and accommodation details." She instructed the guy nearest the tray to pass it around.

As we received our envelopes, Mrs. Taylor expressed her gratitude and emphasized the importance of representing our branch well in Paris. With that, the meeting concluded, and we excitedly left the office, unsure of what the future held.

Outside, Pat, Raelynn, and I decided to grab drinks and snacks at the canteen before preparing for our departure. We chose a quiet spot, sat down, and began to open our envelopes. Raelynn eagerly asked if we could finally see if we'd be living together. I smiled, and we all pulled out our contents.

"Can we open the envelope now, I really want to see if we are going to be living together," Raelynn said.

"Yes Lynn, you can open it up," I replied, and Raelynn began to open her envelope.

"Ohhh, business class tickets," Raelynn exclaimed, impressed.

"Ahhhh, comfort at least," I said, looking at the tickets.

"What's your address," Pat asked, looking at her accommodation letter.

"No 5 Easton's estate," Raelynn replied.

"Oh my God, same as mine," Pat said, and they both ended up squealing and hugging each other.

"Oh you guys are so lucky," I said, faking a sad face.

"Don't be sad," Lynn said, hugging me. "We could still be visiting from time to time."

Pat took my documents and looked at them. "Don't listen to her fake sobbing Lynn, she has the same address as both of us."

"Oh Onika!!" Lynn exclaimed, pushing me away, and I burst out laughing.

"Argh!!! I was worried about you and you are here playing with my emotions," Lynn added with a scolding look.

"Look at the bright side Lynn, we are all roommates," I said, trying to change her expression, which totally worked as she pulled me into a hug, squealing and giggling.

"I wonder who our remaining roommates are," Pat said.

"I pray they are clean and respect boundaries at the very least," I replied.

"And also friendly and lots of fun," Lynn added.

"We just have to wait and find out," I concluded.

After an hour of talking about what we are going to do in Paris, the shopping and night clubs and Lynn hoping she meets Prince Charming there (to which we laughed about) we got tired.

"Let's go home, I have a lot of things to prepare and get ready" Pat says.

"Ya, please let's get going okay. I still have to break the news to my mum and boyfriend and I still don't know how they would react". I said

"Ahhh the joy of living alone" I hear Pat say and Lynn nodding in agreement.

With that we stood up, leaving the canteen as we walk to the elevator to get to our different departments, to get our bags, clear up our desk, wrap up everything and say our goodbyes