ALMOST THERE

CHAPTER I: Boss Bye

I was waiting for the birds to wake me up as usual, but there was silence. This was because, I chose to ignore the sound of the rain on my roof top. It was yet another morning and I had to go to a job I hated so much and to see my annoying boss who gets me all jumpy with her yelling and scolding.

My mother always told me that the rain was a sign of blessing and good luck. I was only hoping that things would be different today. So, with a positive mindset and a will to survive, I managed to drag myself out of bed, brush my teeth, take my bath, dress up and show up at work as usual.

"Clarice! Aha! Just the one I was looking for. You're early today" . It was Scott. The office clown!Good morning to you too Buddy! I managed respond with a smile. He smiled back at me.
"Let's get straight to business"! He said. "The almighty Peyton Swanson-Adama, your boss! has been transferred. "Are you kidding me?" I exclaimed! A lot of thoughts were running through my mind. Has the rain brought me luck? I asked myself.
I saw Scott's lips moving but I couldn't hear a thing. I was free at last! Peyton had harassed, embarrassed and humiliated me for so long and it was good to hear that she was gone for good.

"Hellooo! Hey Clarice! Clarice! Are you alright? " Scott had been tapping by shoulders while I was lost in thoughts. "Yh I'm good"! I responded sheepishly. That's good! He replied. "HR would like to see you Clarice. And please don't ask me what for he chuckled and went back to his seat and gave me a wink.

As I was about to enter the HRs office, Fatima, my bestie approached me. "hey ma'am "She greeted with a smile. Fatima was the Assistant Human Resource Manager and an old school mate. In actual fact, I'm employed thanks to Fatima!

Fatima Asad was the daughter of one of the most influential Lebanese rice traders in Takoradi, who was also a shareholder in our company which is one of the most thriving oil companies in the Western Region of Ghana.

The name Farouq Asad was very popular in Western Region, especially amongst people living in Takoradi, which is the capital city in the Western Region of Ghana, because of its association with wealth. So Fatima had lot of influence in the company.

I wanted to gain every respect and due reward in the company by merit. so I never bothered to complain about Peyton's constant maltreatment towards me and other issues which were bothering me in the company. I wanted to handle those issues on my own as an adult and save her the stress of "baby sitting" me! I wanted "Far" as I affectionately called her, to be proud of me.

"Hello Far"I replied. I learnt Steve wanted to see me. Steve was the Head of HR. He was very professional and relatable. He was loved by everyone because he was very humble and humane. " Yes Clarice actually it's Steve and me". We scheduled an emergency meeting with you. Please let's go to the office he's waiting for us".

When we both entered the office, Stephen Tachie-Menson who had been waiting for us for about a couple of minutes, greeted us with a smile.His smile put me at ease because I was really tensed. "Ladies you're welcome. Please have a seat." He urged us with his amazing smile, pointing his right index finger to the visitor's couch in his office and we both sat down.

I felt a little uneasy because there was a conference table there yet he directed us to sit on the visitors couch. "What is the urgency then if the atmosphere is so relaxed and everyone had smiles on their faces, with the exception of me of course!
I couldn't wait to hear the reason behind the look of excitement on their faces.

Mr. Stephen Techie Menson later mentioned his knowledge about Ms. Adama's constant verbal and to an extent physical abuse of staff who were working directly under her; myself inclusive. He further stated that, an official apology letter had been issued to all staff who fell victim to Ms. Adama's Abuse but they wanted to hand mine to me personally and apologize to me as well.

I was really touched by this gesture but it was not enough that Ms. Adama was fired. "The law must take its course"! I thought. Ms. Fatima Asad gave me the assurance that justice would be served.

She told me that a lawyer has been employed to take Ms. Adama on, on behalf of every staff whom she had abused. So she has already been served with a court summons.

The cherry on the icing was when I was told that, I would be taking the position of my former boss as the new marketing manager at the company. Since I had already completed my masters degree programme, which I was pursuing while I was still an assistant to Ms. Adama.

What a day! I guess it should rain everyday! I went home with all joy and glee. Thank God that, the change I was hoping for was realized today. At this moment, I was happy for myself and my colleagues but was feeling sad for Ms. Adama, for I had no ill-will against her even though, she really hurt me.

Honestly, I was also scared because, I knew she was very cunning and could come after me, if she found out I was occupying the position which she left vacant. But I decided not to let my fear of the future rob me of my present joy. I took a shower and went straight to bed hoping for a better tomorrow and also with the thought of scolding Scott to get his information right before dissemination!

The next morning I could hear my little friends chirping! "Hello birdies" I whispered with a smile. I saw the sunrise and I became hopeful once again. It was a fresh start for me I felt like I've been reborn. I dragged myself out of bed and went ahead with my morning routine.

When I finally arrived at the office, there was an ongoing funfair with champagne, decorations and all. What amused me was a huge banner which read: "CONGRATULATIONS MADAM MARKETING MANAGER"! and I thought to myself , "am I that loved?"

"Clarice congratulations dearie"! We're so proud of you." It was Scott with his annoying charm!  "I organised this party with the help of our colleagues in the marketing department. "Do you like  it? He asked. "Of course I do Scott, I really appreciate it. It was very thoughtful of you to have put all this together thanks a lot dearie!

Later, Fatima and Steve Joined the party it was really a fun day at the office. Although, I thought it was too early to be drinking champagne and Inappropriate as well given that, it was an office setting.  I was later asked to give a speech which gave me the opportunity to thank everyone for this kind and thoughtful gesture.

Later, we all retired to our posts to commence work. I entered my new office and it had been refurbished by management without my knowledge. I guess they wanted to surprise me! I sat on my new swivel chair and it felt like heaven. "Finally! I get to be the boss!"I thought to myself.  A few moments later, I heard a knock at my door, it was Steve.

" Hello ma'am, he said. "May I come in? " Of course! I replied. " Please do have a seat as well" . He sat down wearing his usual smile on his broad face. " I'm here to inform you that, we'll be giving you a new car as well as a new apartment as it was done for Ms. Adama in the past.

This was the best news ever I couldn't believe my ears. I was just an acting marketing officer and I was already receiving benefits. "Oh thank you Steve" I replied with excitement. "You're welcome Ms. Turkson! Just keep making us proud" he said. I smiled and gave him a nod of assurance. As soon as he left, I got up to do my victory dance! I was so excited.

It was lunchtime and my colleagues had invited me for a treat at the cafeteria. It was really fun. We had conversations about our experiences with Ms. Adama. One of our colleagues, who was very witty, started mimicking Ms. Adama to our pleasure. Kennedy was the second clown of the office apart from Scott.

There was also an emotional side to this gathering because, some of our recollections of these experiences were not funny at all. Especially, when Ms. Adama slapped and poured orange juice on Nana who was then her secretary. But in the end, everyone was happy that I was now their boss. I gave them an assurance that, nothing will change between us and also, I  urged them to cooperate with me to achieve the company's target.