Binta

Chapter Six

   I was surprised to walk into my office and meet my boss seated on my chair, my pulse jumped I nervously checked the time on the wall clock.

"Don't worry you are not late" he smiled at me leaning back further against my chair.

"Good morning sir" I said.

"Morning Binta...hope you slept well?" he inquired as he stood up and walked casually toward me. He was neatly dressed in a black suit that perfectly fit his muscular body. He seems to be in a good mood today.

I fought to divert my gaze from scanning him and walked to my desk.

"Yes sir I did" I lied.

The last time I slept well was when my father was alive before the turn of events. My sleep is now haunted by so many nightmares that sometimes I wish I were dust.

"Have you had your breakfast?"

One of my favorite qualities about my boss was his growing concern for his employee but I don't get comfortable with it. Sometimes I wonder why he cares so much.

"No sir...its quite early" he studied me for a moment then shook his head.

"Let's meet in the library" he said with a hint of seriousness.

He strolled out of my office and I followed suit.

We discuss about the case and how I was to handle the cross examination of the witnesses.

"Binta if you do very well in court today then we can talk about a long lasting employment here as long as you want it" He said.

I only nodded and prayed silently for Allah's assistance because I really needed this job so bad.

"Are you nervous" he asked

"I'm fine sir" my voice was a soft drawl.

We were just about to exit the building for the court when Lara stepped in, my boss was very furious with her. I wasn't pleased with her myself her constant lateness needed to be addressed. She greeted him but he didn't answer her, a part of me was glad he didn't. She eyed me as usually but I only dusted it off.

"Oh sir I forgot my wig and gown in the office," I stammered

"Let me hurry and get it please" I pleaded shyly. I hope my boss doesn't see me as a very unserious person. I'm apt to give myself off each time I'm around him.

"You don't worry let me call Lara to bring it for you "he said calmly.

"Hum.....no sir I can get it myself"

he didn't listen to me he called Lara right away and she came down frowning holding my wig like it was something she picked up from the toilet latrine.

"Take it" she spit out angrily.

I stretched my hand to collect it but she dropped it on the floor.

"Oops... sorry ma" she mocked.

She turned to leave but my boss called her back.

"Pick it ....pick it up now" he yelled at her.

She did as she was told and I thanked her but she only gave me that disgusted stare that made me shiver.

"I'm sorry sir"

I apologized to my boss but he didn't respond or look at me. His smiling face now replaced with a scowl that if you stare so much at it you might have a heart attack. I blamed myself for everything. If only I didn't forget to carry my wig and gown all this wouldn't had happened.