RC.

Ch3 .............. N

I'm not looking forwards to tomorrow. Or at least, not the first few minutes...

Before I even get to my office the secretary stops me.

Secretary:"Mr. Carter wishes to see you in his office. Straight away."

Her little devil eyes glisten. (Bitch). In Ancient Rome, she would have been the first to turn her thumb down!

Not feeling very confident I make my way to the office marked with the letters "CEO".

                             ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

As I walk in, he's sat behind his huge Rosewood desk, already looking very busy.

Mr. Carter:"Miss White. Take a seat."

I sit down in front of him being careful to cross my legs and place my hands upon my knees.

He's finishing something on his computer. Then he shuts the screen down.

(Looks like it won't be short...)

He leans his elbows against the desk folding his fingers. He gently taps his forefingers against his chin. His penetrating grey eyes are staring at me.

Mr. Carter:"Are you fond of the work we do together, Miss White?"

T:"Of course!"

Mr. Carter:"Hmm..."

He pauses an instant, weighing the situation.

Mr. Carter:"So why did you leave the gala ball without my authorisation?"

Here we go...

T:"In what way did the gala ball have anything to do with my work here? If you needed somebody to escort you there why didn't you ask one of your supermodels!"

(What's gotten into me, speaking to him in this tone?! Have I lost it or what?)

Carter seems surprised by the violence of my words. To tell the truth I'm shocked as well.

Mr. Carter:"You think I invited you just to be pretty?"

T:"Oh? Wasn't that the purpose of the priceless dress you lent me?"

(Go on Tayla, if you're gonna be fired might as well get it all off your chest.)

Mr. Carter:"It isn't a loan. It's now yours. And that isn't the point. Your presence at the gala ball was part of your job."

(I Explain.)

T:"Listen... I felt out of place during the evening... I'm not from the same world."

T:"I found it all... indecent."

(I rather not mention that ridiculous auction that still makes my hairs stand on end. To that matter, did he win the "prize"?)

Mr. Carter:"Indecent?"

Carter's eyes squint and narrow. Their colour becomes menacing. Ow.

(I Explain and try to don't lose countenance.)

T:"I'm not used to luxury suits and designer dresses... And all that showing off of wealth... It's so far from what the poorer people live, the people which your foundation wishes to help..."

Mr. Carter:"Have you ever been to Africa, Miss White?"

His tone is cold but perfectly controlled. Which doesn't bode well for what's to come.

T:"No, never..."

Mr. Carter:"What is indecent and unbearable, is that young children are dying by millions, every year because they don't receive treatment."

Mr. Carter:"More often because of illnesses that could be avoided or treated simply."

Mr. Carter:"What is indecent is all those mothers watching their children suffer without being able to bring them the help that any mother in the world would wish to bring."

Mr. Carter:"What is indecent, is your attitude."

Mr. Carter:"Before thinking about your little self, think of those who are suffering. You'll see that things will suddenly seem much more bearable."

It's the first time I see him react like that. I feel pathetic...

(I stay silent.)

I feel sick. After being put back in my place like that, I daren't say a thing more.

Mr. Carter:"Don't think that I'm the kind of man to just throw money into some foundation only to lower my taxes or flatter my image."

Mr. Carter:"I took my luxury suit off and went to Africa, pulled my sleeves up and helped the volunteer workers."

Mr. Carter:"I held a mother in my arms, devastated by the loss of her child. Believe me, I've never been the same since."

Mr. Carter:"From your point of view, my methods are "indecent". From mine, I'm only using everything that's in my power to try and change things. And that includes gala balls like that one."

I'm on the verge of crying. My lower lip is trembling dangerously.

It's not pleasant to hear but I have to admit that he's right. I acted like a little spoiled brat...

What he is saying hurts, it isn't a question of selfishness, I just didn't look at things from that angle...

Mr. Carter:"Now, if your job interests you, don't disappoint me again."

Mr. Carter:"You may leave."

I'd like to defend myself but he doesn't give me the chance to. This time, I went too far. The conversation is over.