Overjoyed

Chapter 26 - What goes on behind these doors

When I walked into work the following morning I had intended to go see Janet about the incident with David and taking leave but when I arrived at the front desk there was message telling me to go straight to her office. When I strolled into the newsroom, everybody’s eyes were on me. I could only assume they’d seen the pictures too. My cheeks burned with shame. Keeping my eyes down, I made my way to Janet’s office.

She greeted me with an icy glare and motioned for me to sit. “Good morning Miss James” she said. “Good morning Mrs Kimball. Why did you ask to see me?” I asked warily. “There are a few matters I’d like to discuss with you” she declared. My head raced with possibilities. “I’ve received a complaint about you from one of our colleagues, David Rancid. He’s come to report that you’ve been sexually harassing him” she said, her face unreadable. I was flabbergasted. I swear to God my mouth literally dropped open as she said the words. “Oh my God! That’s utter bullshit!” I exclaimed, unable to stop myself. “Miss James, you will not come into my office and speak to me in that way” she spat. “I’m sorry but he is the one who harassed me” I hissed back at her. “Then why haven’t you filed a complaint?” she asked coldly, the lines around her thin mouth tightening. “I was on my way to do it this morning!” I cried and she shook her head, her greying hair pulled into a tight bun above it. “I’m certain you were” she replied sarcastically. “He came on to me last night, after everyone had left” I said. “Just why were you here after hours Eliza? I don’t recall you being in a senior position that compels you to put in that extra effort” she said impassively. ‘What a bitch’ I thought to myself. “Does that matter? He’s been making lascivious suggestions and passes at me for months now, last night he finally acted on it” I breathed angrily. “That’s not what Mr Rancid said. On the contrary actually, he said you’ve been trying your utmost to sleep your way to the top ever since you got here. Seems the fame of your little hook up was just too short lived for you. Besides, let’s be frank Miss James, your work of late just hasn’t been up to standard. You’ve been distracted, and face it- you were stagnated here. I think we all agree that it’s time we terminate your employment. No need to submit your last article and you can pack up immediately. Have a good day, Eliza” she stated emotionlessly and motioned toward the door with her hand. I got up and walked out, my head held high. Although disgust flowed through me, I was filled with relief to be shod of that job. I would gladly pack my things and walk out that door, but not before I went to see David.

“Is this what you wanted?” I asked as I walked into David’s office. “Eliza, I told you to leave me alone. We have to keep this professional” he said, feigning innocence. “Cut the bullshit, Janet isn’t following me” I hissed. His dark hair looked greasy and his skin was porous from years of teenage acne, he revolted me. “I gave you a chance baby. Things could have been different if you just gave in. We both know you wanted to” he crooned at me. “You delusional fuck” I snapped, “I pray to God this is the last time I ever lay eyes on you.” With that, I turned on my heel and walked out the door.