In Charlotte's Eyes

Yellow Flag

Suzuki’s boss turned away from him. He groaned uncomfortably, his teeth gritting slightly. His boss spotted Charlotte slacking again. Now the higher ups were getting on his ass to tell her to pick up the pace, or both he and she would be considered for a pay cut. He didn't think she was working poorly, anyway. Maybe all his talking up of her made them expect things to be perfect. He was trying his best to back her up. But, it seemed like the higher ups were getting impatient. Despite trying to talk to Charlotte about the situation, she didn't seem to take it very seriously.

His boss informed him that this was his last warning to straighten out Charlotte’s lacking work ethic. Charlotte had never been a lazy person before. She was one of the most reliable workers, even. He grumbled to himself, frustrated, as he walked over to the trailer he had assigned Charlotte to. He felt like they were being treated unfairly by the higher ups.

When he got to her trailer, she was on her phone, leaning against the wall of the trailer. There weren't any packages for her to get to, but there were many other places that needed help. Perhaps that's what his boss was upset about. Her trailer was well stacked and tightly packed.

She looked up from her phone and smiled at him. “Oh, hey, Sue!” Her brows were raised.

“Hello, Charlotte.” He returned the greeting with lack of enthusiasm. “I need to talk to you quickly.”

Charlotte didn't seem to understand that this was about her, yet. She folded her arms and set her phone down on one of the boxes on her wall. “What's up?” She asked casually.

Suzuki sighed, putting a hand on his forehead. “Charlotte, my boss just talked to me again.” He removed his hand from himself and looked her in the eyes.

She hummed. “What about?”

“He told me you've been slacking off.” He admitted bluntly. “And now he's getting on my ass to tell you to work harder.”

Charlotte’s expression soured. She looked away. “That asshole..” She muttered. She shook her head. “Don't worry about it, Sue. I am working hard, I mean, don't you see?” She motioned her arms and hands to the trailer floor. “I'm taking care of all my business.”

“I know you are. I have no doubts you work hard. But-, you know there are other people that need help?” His brows remained furrowed.

Charlotte’s smile returned. “Pssh. They can take care of themselves.”

“Charlotte,” He spoke sternly. “This is serious. My boss is getting impatient. You could get a pay cut if he sees you on your phone again.” He avoided including himself. He was more worried about her.

“Yeah, but,” She beamed sweetly at him. “You won't let that happen to me, right? You'll be in my corner like you always have.”

Suzuki felt a sudden, sharp but brief, shot course through his body. He grunted, turning away. “..Yeah.” He quietly said. “I'll.. make sure that doesn't happen.” He walked away to step out of the trailer. He had other things to be doing.

“Thanks, Sue!”

He left. He felt mixed about that exchange. He just hoped she would be more cautious, at least.

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