Lilacs Forever

Chapter 11: Sweetie

It wasn't the only time Ashley gave her that look, but everyone was getting used to her regardless. There were times she was bubbly, upbeat, and friendly. An angel, if anything. But, according to Alyce, she seemed to dislike being given instructions. Her supervisor was an older woman, a sweet lady who's a little old fashioned, but soft. Delilah had said hello to her many times when delivering papers to the sales department, her name was Norma if she recalled correctly. Ashley would cut Norma off mid-sentence saying she already knew how to do the task, only to ask how to do it later on. Poor Norma would only have little time to get herself together and pause the work she was doing to show her how to do the job.

Delilah heard Norma talking with Anita the other day. And, Norma wasn't the type of person who would complain or talk badly about other people.

"I don't want to know what to do, she keeps on saying she will do the work but does it so shoddily. I know she could do better than that, but she would rather make empty promises rather than just do it. This has been the fourth time this week!"

"Then tell her that!" Anita replied, exasperated. "She should be doing her job, you're her supervisor so knock some sense into her."

"But she's new, and I'm afraid of hurting her." Norma's voice shook.

"But it's your job to make sure she's doing what she's supposed to do,"

But Norma didn't reply and she stood there. After a pause she whispered something to Anita. And Anita looked very angry. "Why would she do this?!" She whispered. "I'm going to bring this up to HR-"

"Please don't, I'll settle it with her myself. Maybe she will listen another time."

"But you're letting her step all over you, Norma!"

"I know, but I need some time to think of what to say, um, I have to go now." Norma quickly left, her eyes watery.

—-

"So I went to college in California and you would never believe this,"

That's what Delilah heard passing by Ashley's table. She was having the time of her life, laughing and gossiping with the rest of the girls. What could have she done to upset Norma? Norma was the sweetest person on earth, but she was a pushover and was sensitive and got hurt easily. But Delilah knew nothing of Norma's situation with Ashley. So, she would have nothing to say, she couldn't imagine speaking out.

"So Anita," Delilah leaned in whispering, "I don't want to get into other people's business but what happened to Norma? She looked very upset."

"Oh my god I don't even know how to start , "Anita was livid, her eyes like two balls of fire. "So Norma tried to tell Ashley to do her job and knock some sense into her but you know what Ashley did? She called HR on Norma saying that she's discriminating her for a disability. Look, don't get me wrong I'm not talking trash about people with disabilities but I saw Norma walk back to her desk when Ashley was getting up and you know what? She had the smuggest little grin on her face. I can't believe it!"

"O-oh," Delilah felt something dreadful that made her heart drop. She looked at Ashley, who continued to have fun and not have any care in the world. Were the others really right about her?

—-

Delilah had the chance to find out. It was after lunch, and Delilah had to deliver paperwork to the sales department, specifically to Ashley. She'll get to know who this Ashley person is once and for all.

As she made her way to Ashley's desk, she found her on her phone. Delilah timidly approached her. "U-um, excuse me," Delilah said softly. Ashley quickly put her phone back in her pocket.

"Yes?" She answered sweetly.

"Hi, I'm um, here with the paperwork you needed."

"Oh thanks!"

"Uh- I'm Delilah by the way, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too! Say, are you new here? 'You need someone to show you around?"

"Well actually, I've been working here for two months," Delilah gave a nervous laugh.

"Oh," Ashley's eyes glowered for a bit, and went back to being bright and friendly. "So... where are you from?"

"I moved here from California, LA to be exact."

"Oh that's so cool, I went to college in California! Which one did you go to?"

"CSU, it's not far from home... how about you?"

Ashley brightened up, "well I went to San José State. Which sorority are you from?"

Delilah paused, she never had the courage nor the confidence to be part of a sorority. "Actually... I've never joined one."

"Really? No way, but then again..." she said coyly, "You look like someone who wouldn't join one anyway."

Delilah bit her lip nervously, she was already feeling that sense of dread creeping up her chest again. "Well, I didn't think that would fit me..."

"Nice pun. But then how did you get this company in the first place?"

Did Delilah feel... irked by Ashley's presence? Nice pun?? She felt flustered. And how did I even get into this company in the first place?

Delilah swallowed her irritation. "I'm sorry, what do you mean?"

"I mean, I was in the same sorority as my older sister. They help you find jobs easily, you know. Oh, do you know the other ladies? We're in the same sorority too."

"So... you must be getting along then..."

"Yeah but I wouldn't expect you to understand this whole sisterhood thing... Have you even ever been to a party?"

"N-no..." Delilah's ears burned. Her mother always warned her of the dangers of drinking, smoking or doing drugs, and even... other things that happen during parties. But she didn't want to bring up her mother. It was like she was a little kindergartner again, that's how belittled she felt. "I'm not really the type of person that would like parties..." she looked down.

"Well that's because you're shy and keep to yourself. You probably didn't have a lot of friends and you probably had your nose stuck in books all the time, am I right?"

"I-um,"

"Awww sweetie!" She made puppy eyes at her. Flustered wasn't even enough to describe how she felt. She just wanted the conversation to be over.

"Oh you don't know how to have fun. You're basically the textbook definition of a goody-goody!" Ashley laughed.

"O-oh," Delilah had to think quick. "I have to go now, goodbye."

"Bye sweetie!" Ashley gave a carefree wave as Delilah hurried back to her desk.