Belly Literary Universe (part 1)

Kelri's Gain Part 54: Fallout

To say that Kelri's cubicle was cramped was an understatement. Kelri, Connor, Maia, And Valerie were all crammed inside it's walls as they waited for news of the fallout from Hugo's explosive rant. Kelri was backed into a corner in her chair while anxiously rubbing her lap filling belly. Connor was leaned against the desk close by rubbing her shoulder. Valerie was leaned against the cubicle wall across from Kelri and Connor trying to be subtle about watching Kelri. Maia kept watch as she leaned against the entrance to the cubical.

Kelri looked at the other women. "So did anyone say anything after Toria and I left?

Maia rested a hand atop her bloated belly and shook her head. "It was silent. His glare said all it needed to. I think even Pete was sunk a foot into his seat. Doesn't he ride motorcycles? Like in a gang?"

Valerie gave Maia's belly a glance. "I think he was more embarrassed by proxy. I think he wanted to storm out as much as you did. Eventually Hugo stormed out as well. A few of the other women went soon after.

Maia grunted and shook her head. "I wish I could have heard what they were talking about in that conference room. The execs didn't look pleased at all."

Valerie agreed. "I've never seen people in suits move that fast."

Connor gripped Kelri's shoulder. "I can't believe he actually blew up like that. I honestly had my doubts it would work. Or I guess I thought it would work, but not so directly. I thought it would lay the groundwork for something later. I hope it's enough."

"Well," Kelri interjected, "even if he isn't fired then he's still in deep shit and probably won't be much of a problem anymore."

Kelri's desk phone rang. She froze in place and stared at it for a moment. She made herself hyperventilate to make it sound as if she'd been crying. As she put the phone to her ear and sniffled. "Hello? Hello this is Kelri"

"Hi Kelri," Boris' strange Welsh - Boston accent was recognizable anywhere. "Could you please come to my office? We have some things to discuss."

"Right - right away..."

As Kelri heaved to her feet with the help of Connor and Valerie, she said goodbye and accepted their wishes of luck.

***

The main difference in Boris Boyl's office from the last time she saw it was that it was now neatly organized covered in a thin layer of dust. Walking into the room was like taking a step into an ancient professor's office in a British university. Some of the tomes on the bookshelves had to be older than Boris himself. He was sitting at his desk with a sort of remorseful smile on his face. He had her sit, and offered her a drink several times. His persistence made her think that she was on the chopping block but she calmed herself by going over the facts in her head.

"So. How are you doing, Kelri?"

"Fine. It's been a long day." She looked remorsefully down at the belly that filled her lap.

"It's been a hard day on us all. I was hoping you could conjure up some more clarity regarding what happened today. The ice cream party today - Hugo says that Miss Valerie claims to have planned it but he also says that you were secretly behind it. I guess he thinks your were plotting against him. I dare say it sounds a bit mad, but I wanted to get your words on the matter."

Kelri frowned. "It was my idea. I'm sorry. I wanted to do something to lift spirits. We do a lot of menial computer work and it's been months since we did anything as a company. I thought everyone deserved something special. I - I admit I had Valerie organize a lot of it because I was afraid Hugo would retaliate... Like he did..."