Be long gone

Chapter twenty-three

                                        Tom's POV

Back in Chicago, I worked as a Finance Manager in a multiclass company. I held the post for two years until degradation started. A large amount of money went missing, leading to the bankrupt of the company. I got a query and a mail informing me that my salary will be reduced until, the money's found. The money missing wasn't my fault because I did not steal or connive with someone to steal. My boss accused me of theft. I resigned because I can't have a reduction in my salary for a crime I didn't commit. The day I submitted my resignation letter, he replaced me. I got a loan from the bank and set my wife's' car, my car, and our house as collateral. The loan was huge and, I thought I'll get a high paying job but, I didn't. The cars and the house went and I needed to start afresh.

Last week, I applied for employment in 'Firstlink company' and had my interview online. I just got an email from the company and I'm nervous to read it. I'll do it anyway

Dear Tom Daniels,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us at Firstlink company. It was a pleasure to learn about your abilities and achievements.

Unfortunately, you were not selected for the post of the Finance Manager. Your education status is perfect. We discussed with the CEO and since this post is a very sensitive one, we agreed that since no black has held this post, it won't be advisable to give it to you. We just survived a bad debt and we don't want to get into more financial troubles. We'll be happy to answer your questions if you have any. We'd love it if you could apply for a lower rank but there are no vacancies, this was the last one.

Thanks again for your interest and best of luck with your job search.

Regards,

Leo James,

Employment secretary

My heart has slowed down it's breathing rate. I'm not happy that I didn't get in but the most painful part is that I wasn't given the post because I'm black. I did not expect this. I should be the breadwinner if the family and not my wife. It's not manly to depend on her salary. I've been on this issue of employment for about a year and there's no positive result. I don't want to settle for something below my standard. I can't study Economics and work in a bar or a restaurant.

Tasha's POV

I've been working all day; assisting Kenzie with her homework, attending a meeting in the church, cooking, reading, fixing the drapes, and adding pictures to the wall. I walked up to the room with my cup of lemon tea

"What's your opinion on Zendaya attending a bakery class?" I asked Tom sitting on the bed

No response

Tom is sitting on a chair reading from his laptop

"Tom?" I called again

No response

I dropped the tea and tapped him saying "Everything okay, honey?"

"Oh! No, were you talking to me?" He replied

"Yes, I've been talking to you and you didn't respond" I expressed

"I'm sorry. I had no idea you entered" He said standing

"You're sure you're fine?" I questioned with concern

"Yeah, can I have this?" He inquired raising the cup

"But you don't take lemon tea?"

"Yeah, but can I?" He questioned further

'Sure, sure" I responded sitting next to him

"What's going on Tom?''

He sipped the tea and dropped it on the saucer

"I got an email from Firstlink" He announced

"Okay?"

"It was a letter of rejection," He said further

'I'm so sorry about that" I said rubbing his back

"I wasn't a bad candidate, I'm fit for the job. Um...I'm black" He declared

"Huh?" I said confused

"What do you mean?" I enquired

"I wasn't given the post because I'm Black. It's a sensitive one and they just got out from bankruptcy so, they don't want anything to go wrong. No black has had that post so, they don't trust me with it" He put forward

Not again, I don't like this topic.

"Sweet Jesus" I muttered

"I know you're qualified, you're great. I'm sorry you did not get in" I pacified him

"But it's not fair Tasha. It's not" He said

If he's not strong emotionally, he would have broken down in tears. I can see the pain in his eyes. They're getting red but, tears aren't filling them up

"I know it's not fair, but what can we do? It'll be fine, everything will be fine." I assured him placing my hand on his

"I put a lot into this. I had to forfeit things to attend the interview" He said rubbing his eyes

"I know, I know that. You can't give up here, you have to keep going. Keep fighting" I answered

"Yes, I know"

"Um... I'll speak to Ashley if she can do anything about this. I don't want the girls to see you this way. It'll be fine. Cheer up. When one falls, one has to rise again. Don't let this weigh you down" I appended

"It won't thanks," He said pulling me into a hug

I can't feel my heart beating. He's really terrible at hugs. How large are my husbands' arms?

"Okay, okay. I want to catch my breath" I put forward

"Oh, sorry. I was just emotional."

"No problem. I'll go get another cup of tea" I stated and left.