Mr Hood

Chapter 9

YOUR POV

As I reached my desk, still completely shaken by the recent events, I checked the time.

It was five to five, and I knew it would take me five minutes to pack so I might as well leave now.

I shut off my computer and went straight to the staff room, hoping not to bump into anyone.

As I entered the staff room, I noticed Ashton was in there.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside, making a beeline for my locker.

"What the heck was that all about? Why did the boss man want to speak to you?" Ashton asked, clearly confused.

I shrugged as I turned to face him.

His face softened when he saw mine.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I just really like you and I don't want you getting sucked into Michael's lies," Ashton informed me.

"I know," I assured him. "I forgive you. Just... Don't do it again Ash. I thought we were really good friends."

He smiled as he came towards me and pulled me into a tight bear hug.

"We are friend Daisy," he promised me, as he squeezed tightly.

"Squeezing a little too tight there Ash," I managed to squeak out.

"Oh shit, sorry," he chuckled as he let me go.

"So what was it about?" he asked again.

I sighed as I grabbed my bag from my locker and slung it over my arm.

Ashton grabbed his and pulled his backpack over his shoulders.

He waved me ahead and I walked out of the room, Ashton following closely behind.

We stepped into the elevator and he pressed the button.

"I don't even know Ash," I admitted, frowning. "He wanted to warn me about Michael, same as everyone else. Only thing was, he just said 'stay away from Michael'. I at least expected him to come up with some reason as to why."

Ashton's lips pursed in thought and he scratched his chin.

"He didn't say anything? Not even about the rumours?" he asked.

"No, nothing," I answered. "I mean, I don't understand why nobody likes Michael. He's not a bad guy."

Ashton seemed to ponder this, and chose his words carefully before he spoke.

"Mr Hood has never liked Michael. Michael has been pining for his job for years now. And plus he sleeps with every girl in the business. That's not a good guy," he explained.

"Calum nor Michael never mentioned the whole wanting his job thing," I said, confused.

Why had Michael never mentioned this before?

"Did Michael's dad own the business before of something? Did Calum take his position?" I questioned.

Ashton shook his head and laughed.

"No. I told you, Mr Hood built this place from scratch," he reminded me.

The elevator doors pinged open and we stepped out.

We exited the building and Ashton said he'd walk me home.

"So Michael just wants his job?" I asked.

"Yes. He's really jealous of Calum. He always has been. He thinks he can do the job better," he told me.

"I'll be honest with you. I don't know why he's so determined to keep Michael away. I know why I am, because I like you a lot. You're my friend and I don't want to see you getting hurt," he frowned.

I nudged him with my arm and he looked at me and smiled sadly.

"Thanks Ash. But I'm fine, honestly," I reassured him.

"I still find it quite odd that he's so determined. Usually he's glad that Michael is taking an interest in the female employees. With Calum renouncing women, it means they don't come crawling to him and instead go to Michael," he pondered.

He scratched his head in thought as he began to try and figure out Calum's motives.

"It is strange. I told him not to try and boss me around when it comes to my personal life because that was something he didn't have control over," I recalled.

"You what!?" Ashton shouted.

By now we were outside my building and I shushed him, as I dragged him into the foyer.

"Jesus Ash. Could you be any louder?" I tutted (FRIENDS REFERENCE BECAUSE IM FRIENDS AF😏)

He rolled his eyes.

"Are you trying to make him pissed Daisy?" he shouted. "Nobody speaks back to the boss man."

I glared back at him, challenging him.

"Oh yeah? Well I just did," I announced. "And besides, I wasn't going to allow him to speak to me like that. I wasn't going to allow him to act like I needed protecting. I'm a big girl Ash, I can take care of myself."

"Do you know what happens to people who talk back to him?" he whispered, his eyes wide with fear.

I gulped, becoming slightly scared about what he would say next.

I shook my head no.

"They get fired Daisy. Thrown out on their asses. No notice. Just out the door," he said. "And word travels fast around here. If Mr Hood can't trust you, no one can. No other employer is going to want a Mr Hood reject."

"Do you think he'll fire me?" I whispered.

"I'm not too sure if I'm honest. I'm surprised you're still here. Anyone that's ever had the courage to stand up to him has been fired. And yet you're still standing. I find that odd," he noticed.

"I better watch my back then hadn't I?" I muttered.

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

He took my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"I definitely would. Good luck tomorrow. You want to meet for lunch?" he asked.

"Sure. Sounds good. See you tomorrow Ash," I said, waving him off.

He left and I was suddenly left to my thoughts.

What was going to happen tomorrow?

Should I start looking for other work?

I was becoming slightly afraid of Mr Hood.

Why did I have to put my foot in it and try and act the big man?

I could have just got myself fired.

But I couldn't even focus on that right now.

All I could think was; why me?

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