Big Corp Inc. (G/T)

Part 19: Stuck between a Rock and a Hardon

The end of the month was approaching all too quickly. Candy had already been served with an eviction notice that would come into effect on the 1st, if she wasn't able to scrounge up the money for at least a month's rent. She had been working at Big Corp Inc. for a couple of weeks now without any mention of pay or having a paycheck in hand. As Candy left for work, her landlord Bob accosted her on her way down the stairs with a "gentle" reminder that she only had a few days left. Candy acknowledged his words and headed out with a twisting feeling in her gut.

She knew the only way to sort the matter out would be to discuss it with her boss. The thought terrified her, since she was more frightened of him than ever, now that she was fully aware of what he was capable of doing. He had eased off his harassment a fraction, not wanting to push her into outright quitting, but his eyes were always on her. She knew he was biding his time, waiting to strike like the vicious snake that he was. And now, unless she wanted to end up homeless, she had no choice but to approach him.

Her thoughts roiled and churned in her brain as she rode the railcar to work. She watched the scenery fly by, full of gargantuan buildings and people. Candy had figured, after working with Giants for a couple of weeks, she would've become accustomed to everything and everyone around her being so large. While she had, to some extent, overcome that initial anxiety, she had fresh fears with the awareness of what some Giants were cruel enough to do to her. She had never imagined that anybody would eat her whole, since she believed Giants were civilized like humans, yet such a thing had happened more than once. She shuddered.

Candy departed from the railway station and crossed the human walkway, ignoring the Giant feet stomping around her, stepping over her head, and vibrating the ground below. She was relieved to see Bianca ahead of her in the lobby, strolling towards the elevator.

"Bianca!" Candy called with a wave. "Mind giving me a lift?"

Bianca turned around and smiled. "Sure thing, Candy!" She lowered her hand to the ground so Candy could climb up into her palm. "How's everything going? I thought I saw you with that handsome gentleman Martin the other day," she teased in a singsong voice, flashing Candy a knowing smile.

Candy blushed and cupped her face in her hands. "Oh, him? Why, yes... yes you did... he's quite charming, isn't he?" She wriggled with delight in Bianca's hand as she thought about the attractive Giant. "Thanks for your advice regarding courtship, by the way. I used the information you gave me about him liking sweets and baked him a cake. Needless to say, he was very pleased!"

"I'm glad to hear things are working out between you two lovebirds," Bianca remarked with a smile. She patted Candy on the head with her fingertip.

"Oh, Bianca! I meant to ask you something. When's payday?" Candy looked up at the Giantess, anxious for an answer.

"Payday was yesterday. You didn't get your check? You should have, since you've been here long enough. At least for your first week." Candy shook her head despondently. "Did you get direct deposit set up? If not, Mr. Hardon probably has your paper check."

"No..." Candy sighed. "I suppose I'll have to talk to him sometime today."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Bianca questioned, a note of worry in her tone.

"No, I can handle it," Candy responded. She was tempted, but she didn't want to be dependent on others for everything. She realized she needed to be brave. She was aware that she would be forced to face her boss eventually. Mr. Hardon didn't have the power to withhold her pay from her. Besides, she knew Bianca hated being around Mr. Hardon as much as she did.

"Well... alright then. Good luck," Bianca replied, placing Candy on her desk. "See you around." Candy logged into her computer and started typing. She was procrastinating the inevitable. She really didn't want to interact with Mr. Hardon if she could help it. After her long week of getting lost and typing on an oversized keyboard, her limbs were sore and tired, and she struggled to stay focused. She was stressed. She decided to sneak out for lunch early. She rode the capsule launcher down to the floor and exited her cubicle into the hallway.