CHOOSING ARWA

23

Now when I tell you I have been working my ass out through Sunday to Tuesday, I mean I have been up and down trying to get everything straight for the event that was one week away.

It's been me having phone calls from food services to light and sound managements and so far with only Khair and Pen helping , its been harder than I expected. Who knew there were so many cafes and catering services but so less space for appointments and orders, literally every Cafe and Restuarant we called to book for the event - ones Faisal insisted on - have been apologizing for being fully booked and its been hectic and really frustrating.

Faisal hasnt been coming throughtout Sunday to Tuesday and so its just been Khair, Pen and I getting few instructions and requests from Faisal through the phone alone. I would be lying if I said I wasnt annoyed over it and a tad bit disappointed over the fact that Faisal was practically shunning us like this wasnt his damn event, it was my job to make sure everything went right but not having Faisal around was just harder esepcially with the way he gave orders like we had to do it no matter what and as much as I wasnt gonna admit, it didnt feel the same not having in the meeting room throwing corny comments amd smirks from across the table to me. It wasnt like we have been at it for long but it did feel like it and as much as wanted to know what was wrong or why he hadn't be coming for three days consecutively but it wasnt my place to ask his employees when it wasnt quite my business or professional of me to raise some suspicions even though I knew Khair and Pen wouldn't mind. I also had the option of calling him personally after working hours as Camille suggested after i have been nagging her over it - as the cow said - but I didnt call or text him kinda of too annoyed and knowing it wasnt my business and not knowing if he wanted to share or not, I let it go.

I bit on my bottom lip looking up to the ceiling as I took two deep breaths, it was my break and I was meant to be eating right now but I was performing my Fidya and so I was seated in my office rather trying to de-stress myself. The FMJ event was like a week away and so far the only thing we had on ground were the platform, likelyhood of the drone show, a cocktail bartender and the products that were going to be showcased - food was the situation of food, music, decoration and invitations - and really the thought of it alone was exhausting. I would have gone to see Camille but I was sure she was busy witn work or food so I decided to lay back on my chair, the knocking on my door suddenly snapping my head to see Mariam holding a small smile as she held onto the front of her blue blazer looking straight to me, her hair down today which was not a regular.

"Yes?" I smiled.

"James wants to see you, if you are free." She said straightforwardly.

"Sure." I stood up, dusting off my light abaya and approaching her.

Mariam and I walked side by side to Mr. James office, I was sure he was going to ask on our progress and truth be told I didnt want to start with it right now. If he was confident enough to hand me the brand, me being in this dilemma, might just throw him and my determination off and i didnt need that now.

"He is having lunch right now, so dont worry yourself." Mariam said without even looking at me.

I guess she sensed my anxiety.

"Yeah." I nodded looking to her, my eyes falling to the nice bracelet around her wrist as she tucked her hair behind her ears.
"I love your braclet, where'd you get it?" I smiled softly admiring the shiny thing with glass beads.

It wasnt flashy or anything but I liked it. In a way, i hated the way my brain went straight to a few days ago when I found that crystal bracelet that felt now so much like a burden.

"Hm... online." She said just as we reached Mr. James office.

She nodded for me to make my way in and I smiled with a nod making my way in after a knock and a permission to make my way in.

Mr. James gestured for me to sit down opposite him as he munched on the last bite of his tuna sandwiched before cleaning his mouth with a napkin and then facing me.

"How you feeling , Ms. Kharot?" He asked and I could feel myself tense just at that.

"Im good." I swallowed, fixing my posture straight up.

"Alright. How's the brand going? Any progress?" He asks and I dont know if its my anxiety, but it sounded like he was asking knowingly.

"Hm its good. I guess." I bit on my lower lip avoiding eye contact.

I am really bad at this.

"Listen, Arwa. I gave you this brand cause I want to see your competence. I know you can do this okay. This is a big brand we both know but I have my trust in you, so don't disappoint me, us, yourself." Mr. James advised and all I did was nod.

His words were motivating but I cant lie, it made me feel more pressurized than I already was. He was counting on me and I hated the fact that I felt like I was failing.

"Thats all. You can go." He said after the short pause.

"Thank you." I gave a smile and made my way out.

Taking a deep breath, I walked to the bathroom to wash my face and get myself back together. I wasnt going to give up and let myself disappoint my boss, espeically not after I had my confidence and self esteem high when we started working on the project. It was like I was losing a dose of motivation to keep going and to be honest, I didnt want anything to drag me back now.

I didnt want to admit it, but it was lowkey kinda Faisal's fault im in this situation but I didnt want to acknowledge that right now. Blaming it on someone isnt going to help.

"Bish, you look dead." Camille chuckled the moment she stopped me by the hallway on my way back to my office.

"I am...," I gnoared, dropping my forehead on her shoulder.

"Ohh, is my baby missing Faisal?" Camille slurred patting my back, and I could literally hear the smirk in her voice.

"Bish... not now please." I cried giving her a dead glare.

Camille responded with a laugh wrapping her arms around me to give me a proper hug - knowing I needed it.

"You know what will help." I snapped up as a thought came to my mind.

"Gurl, am I thinking what you thinking?" She wiggled her brows, seeing the answer in my eyes.

"You know it." I giggled raising my brows with a wink.

"Nah, this is why I love you!" Camille laughed like a molested goat, making me burst laughing too.

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