Sharon's Plight

Chapter 9

It's the first Christmas Sharon would spend away from her family. She couldn't imagine Christmas without her parents. Sharon planned, from the beginning of December, how she was going to return home days earlier. She prioritised all her tasks to finish a week before Christmas. With all plans in place, Sharon walked into George's office the third day in December. After discussing business, Sharon made her request known.

"Can I request leave to travel home a few days before the Christmas holiday? I want to spend time with my family."

"Return home?" George seemed to have woken up on his wrong side. "You could as well ask to leave now. Why are you waiting until the Christmas holiday?"

"Unfortunately, I still have tons of work to do here." Sharon's reply caught him unawares. George continued aggressively to push her to the limits.

"You know you have tons of work to do. Why do you even bother asking? said George dismissively.

"George, would you prefer I make a direct request to Mr Finland Sr!?" demanded Sharon. "You know, I could. Yet, I approached you because you are my direct boss. Every holiday request has to come through your office as the Operation Manager."

"It wouldn't be your first." George snapped, adjusting his tie.

"I wish that I didn't have to go through you about holidays or anything that has to do with my personal life," Sharon muttered. George, who was looking for a way to get to know her, changed his demeanour.

Before he could speak again, Sharon continued. "Let's just keep it as professional as possible, George. I am as professional as possible here. I was not asking for any time off now, and I've never asked for any time off before. All I want is more time to spend with my family."

In his arrogance, George replied. "It seems I don't have a choice. You can do whatever you like. Sign yourself out and travel. Make sure there are no lapses in your job."

"Thank you, George, for being so polite and for always been helpful." Words, she pronounced with a smile. Sharon dropped her holiday file on his table and walked out. She was not ready for any further comments from him. George, in a daze, stared after her with wonder.

"Sharon!" Mrs Finland called, peeping into Sharon's office. "Can you come over to my office?"

"Be right there!!" called out Sharon, smiling back at Mrs Finland, whom she adored.

She picked up her notepad and headed out of George's office. Knocking on Mrs Finland's office door, she heard, "Come in, Sharon. Get yourself something to drink and sit on the sofa. I will be with you shortly." Her pleasant voice announced.

"Thank you, Mrs Finland." She headed to the coffee table. A moment later, Sharon walked over and sat beside her.

"Sharon, you have a passionate approach to your work, so I called you to discuss the Christmas party plans." Mrs Finland discussed her elaborate plans with her. Sharon wondered where she would fit into in the picture created in front of her.

"Would you mind planning the Christmas party this year?" Mrs Finland's voice echoed in her wandering thoughts.

"Sorry, I didn't get that!" apologised Sharon, looking lost and bewildered.

"I said you should plan for the Christmas party this year," broke in Mrs Finland.

To avoid responsibility and remove any roadblock on her Christmas plans, Sharon responded, "This is only my first Christmas in the company!"

"I am aware of this." Mrs Finland acknowledged.

"I would love it too, but I'm a nervous wreck," continued Sharon. "I might make a mess of it. Would you mind if I ask Mrs Resource to handle it while I shadow her? By next year, I could learn from her and do something more professional and more dignified."