Survivor

39> "Close the door on the way out, would you?" ~Nicole

Nicole pov:

"Mr Lahey, would you care to explain why the material samples have not yet been submitted?" I questioned as I flipped through the file on my table. Shutting it, I set it aside and clasped my hands before  giving my full attention to the employee seated before me.

"Or would you like to begin by telling me why you were not at work for the past 4 days and simply did not bother to pick up your phone and notify your manager of your absence? Or is this job simply beneath you?"

"I-" he cut himself off abruptly.

"You what?" I asked. "Don't have an excuse for that fact your work has not been submitted and your 4 days of absence? This isn't middle school Mr Lahey." I raised a brow as I patiently waited for his response.

C'mon now, I haven't got all day.

He opened his mouth to speak, before hanging his head low.

"Mr Lahey, were you ill?" I questioned.

"No."

"Did you perhaps have a family emergency?" I probed further.

"No."

"A medical condition that had a hand to play in this?"

"No."

"Any other valid reason perhaps?"

"Uh- no"

"Mr Lahey I have a backlog in the production of clothing that originally had to be modelled this Friday. This showcase, my showcase had to be moved to Sunday because of you. You really should be proud." I smiled sarcastically.

"Now kindly get out of my building. You're fired."

"You can't -" he began protesting and I sighed.

"Yes I have every right to. You should've read the terms and conditions of your contract carefully before signing. Now get out." I told him.

He stopped up, roughly shoving the chair he was previously seated on, out of his way. Yanking on the door handle he was about to step out before I called him.

"Mr Lahey." He stilled. "I do hope going to see the Hollywood sign during work hours was worth it. And I wish you all the best in finding a new job. Close the door on the way out, would you?"

I sighed in relief the moment he stepped out of my office. He didn't put up much of a fight because he knew this wasn't the first time he shirked his duties.

I reached across my table to grab my iPad and began going through endless contacts looking for the number of my material supplier. Before I could press call, my phone rang.

"Hey sweetheart." I heard my husband's voice come through the phone.

"Hey honey." I greeted as I reclined in my chair. It was silent for a moment and I immediately sat back up.

"What's wrong?" I asked sitting on the edge of my chair.

"Something happened with the girls at school-" he began and was cut off.

"What? What happened? Are they okay? Are they hurt? Is it serious? No wait you calling me in the middle of the day, it's definitely serious."

"Babe!" Giovanni yelled down the line. "Slow down and let me explain. I know you worried, I am too. Enrico got a call. Apparently Giovanna was caught cheating on her math test."

"That's bullshit." I spoke, my tone full of disbelief.

"That's the same thing we thought. Not even a second later we were informed that both the girls were missing from class. We phoned home and well, they sound as if they in a real state." He sighed.

"What do you mean?" I asked as I stood up and began gathering my possessions.  Grabbing my coat off the back of my chair, I hung it over my arm and quickly placed my iPad, laptop and a few files in my backup. Once that was done I slung it over my shoulder and grabbed my car keys.

"Well Armella was definitely crying and Giovanna seemed a bit lost with the whole situation." He explained.

"Where are you boys now?" I asked as I stepped out of my office and locked my door behind me. I rapped my knuckles on my receptionists table to grab her attention.

'Reschedule today's meetings. Have them moved to Thursday instead.' I mouthed and she nodded in understanding.

Satisfied with that, I pressed the button and waited for the elevator to come up.

"On the way to the airport. Our flight leaves in," He paused for a second, "20 minutes".

"I'm on my way home now." I informed him.

"I called Gerardo just before I called you. He and Riccardo went to pick Toni up from school. They should have reached home by now." He told me and I was glad.

Atleast there was someone at home with the girls. By the time I navigated the ever busy streets of New York, it would take me a solid 40 minutes to get home and Giovanni and the boys still had to board the plane.

"Give me a call when you boys land. I'll let you know whats happening the moment I've spoken to the girls."

"Alright. Be safe sweetheart."

"I will. Safe travels babe." I responded before cutting the call.

I exited the elevator and acknowledged the employee who greeted me before making a beeline towards the revolving glass doors at the front. I had parked out front today and for that I was grateful as I didn't have to go to the basement parking and clear the checkpoint situated at the entrance.

Unlocking the car, I rushed around to the driver's side and climbed in, dumping the contents in my arms on the passenger seat. I grabbed the seat belt and smoothly strapped myself in before starting the car and pulling out of the parking spot.

My fingers tapped on the steering wheel anxiously as I came to a stop by a traffic light. I glanced at my phone which lay discarded on the passenger seat before looking at the road once again. Should I call to see if they ok, or not?

You gonna be home in under 40 minutes Nicole, I'm sure they'll be fine until then.

But, what if they aren't?

The boys are at home with them, they're fine. I reassured myself as I floored it the moment the light turned green.

I carefully navigated the busy roads and with each red light that I met, I grew more anxious.

"Fucking hell," I swore under my breath as I was stopped by yet another red light. I slammed the heel of my hand on the steering wheel out of frustration.

"Dammit, dammit, dammit!" I cursed in frustration. Taking a deep breath, I realsed it slowly as I tried my hardest to remain calm.

"No use getting worked up. It won't get you there any faster." I mumbled to myself.

The light turned green and I smiled at the sight before I smoothly took off.

Only the smile didn't last long.

From the side of my eye I noticed a large truck driving at an alarming speed and it showed no sign of slowing down.

I accelerated trying to escape it's path but it was of no use.

The truck was headed straight for me.
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Kinda short, but an update nevertheless.

Speaking of which, would you guys prefer shorter chapters and quicker updates?
Or longer chapters which would result in a longer wait?

And no, I didn't plan for the chapter to end this way.
My bad?

Thanks for reading❤
-Rain🖋