FOOLISH BUT CUTE - LYRICAL

Lyrical was going through Melody's schedules that Gisselle had shared with her. She remembered noticing this previously, that none of Melody's meetings happens in her cabin, which means most of the time she would be out of office. Not that she cared, but a thought did cross her mind. Lyrical wondered, if Melody in the pretense of meeting was having an affair secretly.

Lyrical felt relieved that she doesn't have to see her face every day. As for today, Melody had a meeting with Mr. Solomon and Mrs. Ann, Lyrical noted it down. Also, that Gisselle had marked it as a high priority, so Lyrical called up their office to reconfirm the meeting one more time.

While she was in the midst of preparing a to-do list for herself, she received a call from her father.

"Hello, Father. How are you, and how is your friend doing now?" She inquired, her voice was laced with worry, both for her father and his friend.

"He is out of danger now, my child. It was a small accident, don't worry too much." Her father shrugged off, but Lyrical did not believe him. It never happened that her father had made excuses for not calling her, because of some minor mishap. It had to be something big, but her father was not being honest.

When she further inquired about the details of the accident and asked her father how can he not call her for almost a day because of a small accident?  Therefore, her father, Mr. Fernando was forced to tell her what had exactly happened.

The friend of her father is already sixty-five years and a widow. He was in the navy and after retirement spent most of his time looking after his wife. Later, after his wife passed away, he did not feel like staying idle sitting at home, so he joined Mr. Fernando in volunteering and helped deliver food in an orphanage & hospital.

Last night while they were returning home, somebody crashed his car while knocking them on the way. Although Mr. Fernando was not hurt much, apart from a few stitches here and there, his friend was badly hurt.  And the owner of the car died on the spot. Till now, nobody has come to claim the body.

"The car owner was definitely not from this town or somebody must've known him." Lyrical suspected. "But how can he drive so recklessly and hurt people?" Lyrical could stop herself from feeling angry. Even though that driver was dead, but her father and an another person was hurt because of his mistake.

"No, my dear child. The reason this accident happened was not because that he was being careless, but because he wasn't feeling well. While driving he must've had severe chest pain due to his medical condition and as a result he lost his control over the vehicle.  We are assuming he was driving towards the hospital when his condition took turn for worse." Her father explained.

While Lyrical was relieved to learn that her father was safe and his friend was also recovering. Gisselle, on the other end, couldn't stop teasing Melody.

"You seriously need to ask this Melody? Boss.. Oops! Ex-boss!! I have been working with you for such a long time. Of course, by now I am good at reading your face." she laughed, "Usually you put on that terrific mask of a poker face, when you are in and around office. But you were shamelessly flirting with Lyrical, eye-effin her throughout the nigh. But.. what a pity, that poor innocent girl doesn't even know why you were flirting." Gisselle clucked her tongue.

Gisselle laughed over the phone and made fun of her. "I know you want to ask for my help, but... Sorry my dear friend, this time you have to handle things yourself. My priorities have changed and I have better things to do." she snorted, then sniggered. Her stomach was strating to hurt.

"G! If you don't want me to kill you, then stop laughing." Melody grunted in fake anger.

"Ohh.. ok. For old times' sake, I can only say one thing to help you. Be clear with your intention towards her and say what you actually mean, but don't go overboard. After all, you and Lyrical do not have the same preference and you know that, don't you?"

"Hmm." Melody gave a binary reply. "When are you due, by the way??"

"Ms. Melody. I'm really disappointed. How can you not know this simple thing about me? How dare you ask me this question?" Gisselle retorted in anger.

"Quit it, G. That fake anger doesn't work on me." Melody jested and scoffed playfully.

"Four!" Came a reply from her cabin door. Lyrical had only heard Melody, who was pestering Gisselle. So, she couldn't help but reply on behalf of Gisselle.

"Gisselle. I'll call you back, you take care." Melody disconnected the call and turned around to face Lyrical.

"I apologize for intruding ma'am. I had knocked on the door twice, but when you didn't reply, so I came in and that's when I overheard your conversation." Lyrical defended herself. Melody narrowed her eyes at her. A scowl appeared on her face, "So.. what you are trying to say is.. that I am deaf? Or perhaps, that I am dumb?" Melody questioned. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourself now? Showing off how smart you are?" She growled.

Lyrical was scared maybe she had upset Melody. No matter how much she disliked this woman, the fact cannot be denied that Melody was still her boss. She was afraid, Melody would kick her out of the office and the job anytime. But, Lyrical cannot let that happen, this job was important to her.

"No.. I-I mean..", she stuttered and tears filled up her eyes.

She excused herself and left her cabin, straight to the restroom. Tears rolled down her eyes and she tried to stop herself from sobbing. She washed her face and came back to Melody's cabin.

She apologized again. "I was just trying to help, but I didn't mean to.. mean to.."

Melody huffed, "Stop calling me, ma'am. I have a name." She let out a sigh, "And.. I am sorry too. I didn't mean to scare you like that."

Lyrical simply nodded, unsure of what to say. They went through Melody's schedule for that day and then chatted for a while, all the time they both remained uncomfortable.  Both had their reasons, but preferred to not discuss it.

If Lyrical was scared, that she might lose her job. Melody was afraid, she would lose Lyrical.

As soon as their meeting ended, Melody walked out of her cabin and left. She did not return to the office that day, At evening, Melody called and left a message at the reception for Lyrical, and told her to go home for today.

Lyrical's mind was at unease, because Melody had not call her directly. She was hoping, that she had not mistakenly upset her boss. Only later she realized that she had not shared her contact details with Melody.

Lyrical punched in Melody's contact no on her phone and left her a text.

Hi.

Please save my number. And just a reminder, you have to visit the art gallery at 11 am tomorrow and meet Ms. Joey.

Regards, Lyrical.

She did not receive any reply from Melody, until midnight. 'Saved. Both your number and the appointment. Thanks for the reminder!'

Lyrical smiled as relief coursed through her. She could now hit the sack now. On the other hand, Melody stayed awake all night. Lyrical's face that was sketched with anxiety, as the color slightly drained from her face, kept appearing in front of Melody's eyes and it was bothering her.

She mentally cursed and scolded herself, 'How can I be so hard on her and what was I even thinking?' she asked herself.  Melody decided she had to make it up to Lyrical. She wanted to, for her own selfish reasons.. but Lyrical didn't need to know.

The next morning, Lyrical was getting ready to leave for office when her phone chimed, "Be there at the gallery before 11. I need you to accompany me." As soon as Lyrical read the message, she facepalmed herself. It would have been good, if she could go to office and stay away from Melody, instead of spending the day with her.

Lyrical pondered on what she should wear to visit the gallery, while she scanned her wardrobe.  She chose a dark blue high waist pencil skirt and light blue long sleeve shirt. She reached the location on time and called Melody.

She had already reached the gallery, hence Melody told Lyrical to enter the venue and she would come to find her.

Lyrical was extremely nervous that she would be lost in the crowd of so many people. However, once she entered inside, it was completely vacant.  She checked her diary again, just to confirm if she has entered the wrong location.

"Hey! You must be Lyrical, am I right?" a woman wearing a nice floral bomber jacket, a pink crop top, and low waist jeans called out to her.

"Joey!!" She introduced herself, then stuck out her hands. Lyrical smiled back and shook hands with her. "Melody's waiting inside." she said to Lyrical and she followed the woman inside.

Lyrical cursed her boss inwardly. Why would she send the owner of the art gallery to fetch her?

They entered a cabin that looked total contrast to that of Melody's. It had bright colors like yellow, pink, and lavender sprayed all over.  'I'm sure my boss must've gone blind by now, with all these colors. She is not used to brighness.' Lyrical mumbled and sniggered at her thought.

"Why would I go blind?" Melody suddenly whispered, her voice sounded seductive, and was coming from right behind Lyrical. Goosebumps spread all over her skin.

Lyrical had not noticed her boss standing behind her and not realise that she had spoken a little louder than needed. So both Melody and Joey had heard her "thoughts". Had she made another mistake and upset her boss?

She turned around smiling awkwardly, her boss was standing right behind her and was smiling at her. Should she be relieved with that smile on her face or worried? Lyrical had no idea.

Melody had worn her familiar black and white checked shirt, sleeves folded up till her elbow, two buttons from the top was undone, and she had paired it up with blue jeans.

'Why is she dressed like this? Was I supposed to bring something along with me for her to wear? Why don't I remember Gisselle telling me any such thing?' Lyrical ran back and forth in her memory trying to remember if she has missed any instruction.

But her thoughts were interrupted abruptly when her boss picked on her again. "Will you help me save my eyes, you're my assistant after all?" Lyrical just grinned at her boss, confused between punching her face with her fist, or hitting her head on a wall. 

"By the way, your assistant is really pretty. Bet, she's your choice, huh?" Joey complimented.

"No. Gisselle took my interview." Lyrical immediately corrected.  "I already told you, your beauty is alluring and captivating. Now, do you believe me?" Melody breathed in her ears. "Even Joey noticed it."

Lyrical gritted her teeth and replied, "Thank you ma'am," keeping her voice as steady as possible.

By now, she literally wanted to knock either her head on the wall or that of Melody. Lyrical tried hard to be on her best behavior so that she doesn't end up humiliating her boss in front of a client. But, Melody wouldn't stop bothering her.

"Hey! I told you no formalities." Melody bantered playfully.  "Not you.. her." Lyrical pointed her finger towards Joey.  Melody stood gazing at her face for a few moments, then she burst out laughing, which confused Lyrical.

"He!" Melody corrected, pointing her finger towards Joey.

Dumbfounded, Lyrical gaped at her boss and then surveyed Joey and turned to looked back at her boss.  She apologized repeatedly to Joey and ran out of the cabin, stopping only once she reached right outside the gallery.  She was unable to understand, how will she make up for this mistake. She was afraid that Joey would be really upset, so would Melody. And this time surely she will lose her job.

Melody and Joey immediately followed behind, "What's wrong?" Melody was worried Lyrical might end up crying again.

"Lyrical, please relax. Trust me I didn't mind it at all. I know it wasn't intentional.." Joey reassured her. But Lyrical kept apologizing, Joey was a client after all. Melody forced Lyrical to sit inside her car, while she finished her work. They left soon after Melody was done.

"Can you relax now? Trust me Joey is used to such comments and you did nothing on purpose. So it's okay," Melody tried to comfort her, but Lyrical did not react. "By the way, you look really good today. I love that skirt. Honestly, it suits you," She tried to change the tact of comforting her assistant and this time it worked.

Lyrical turned to look at Melody, "Oh, didn't you have an event to attend today? Why are you dressed so casually? Or was I overdressed?" she asked.

"Also the funny thing is, I did not see anything on display. Was the event canceled or postponed? Let me know so I can add a note down in your schedule." Lyrical mockingly added.

"You wore that because you thought we have an event to attend." Melody chuckled.

"Gisselle was right, you are truly observant and thoroughly professional. But, the answer to your question is no.  Neither is the event postponed or canceled, nor were you overdressed. I just had a meeting with Joey regarding the event, just some detailed discussion.  The actual event is in the evening, which Joey will handle alone. I don't need to be physically present there, you know." Melody explained the purpose of her visit.

Lyrical frowned, "I understand that she.. I mean he.. he will handle everything on your behalf. But what I don't understand is why you don't attend it yourself, instead of depending on others?" Lyrical could not believe Melody was so lazy to attend the event herself and blindly depended on others to handle everything for her.

"I would. If you tell me to..." Melody smiled mischievously.  "Seriously?" Lyrical studied her face. She knew her boss was up to something.  "But, you have to join me." Melody added and shrugged her shoulders.  "Why am I not surprised," Lyrical rolled her eyes and answered mentally.

Melody guffawed, looking at Lyrical's face, she figure that Lyrical was cursing her.

Lyrical looked at Melody in confusion. 'Did she accidentally speak loudly? Oh no, not agaaaaain.' She scolded herself silently.

Lyrical thought to herself that, if such would have been the case, the her boss, instead of laughing loudly like an idiot, would have kicked her out of the car right away.

"By the way, I left you a text message about this meeting along with the client's name, why didn't you correct me right away?" Lyrical questioned, narrowing her eyes at her.

Melody grinned feeling foolish,"I must've not noticed it." She then pleaded, "Ok forget about it already. Joey's cool." But Lyrical believed her stupid assumption must have hurt Joey, even of just a little.

After a few minutes of silence, Melody spoke again.  "Ok. So, I sort of have a thing to attend. Would you like to come with me or should I drop you at the office?" Melody invited her.  "I know that you can take a cab, but the office is on the way, anyways. So I can drop you there, if you want. Or you can accompnay me," She clarified.

But Lyrical, opted to go to the office. Also, she did not want to spend much time with Melody. "Ma'am.. Sorry. I mean Melody, if it's not mandatory that I have to go with you, then I would like to go to the office and finish my work."

Melody nodded, agreeing to drop her and it was decided that Lyrical can leave once she is done with her work. Still on their way, Lyrical initiated the conversation again. "Uh.. If you don't mind me asking. Why was he wearing such an outfit, which clearly gave out a wrong impression of his gender?"

"That's called being gender-neutral.." Melody simply replied. "Besides that, he's gay."

Lyrical, although did not reply but she had a disgusted look evident on her face.

"Don't tell me you are homophobic?" Melody questioned plainly. Trying not to judge Lyrical.

"Not exactly. I don't like interfering in somebody's life until it doesn't affect me. It's their life, their decision, and frankly their problem." Lyrical answered offhandedly.

Melody was upset but didn't react or say anything. However, the very next statement that came from Lyrical, angered Melody.

"To tell you the truth, I don't like engaging with such.." she gagged. "..people. Please don't force me to go with you, especially when you are meeting with these people. It's my humble request." Lyrical scrunched her nose in pure disgust, inspite of her previous comment that she did not care.

The next day, first thing in the morning Lyrical took a peek at her phone to check if her boss has sent her an SOS. But since that was not the case.. she lazily rolled on the bed, before finally scambling out of the bed and stumbling towards the bathroom.

Lyrical reached the office, arranged the presentation file and mailed it to her boss, and also took a few prints of it. She arranged everything on Melody's desk and double-checked everything again just to be sure.

Melody was not scheduled to come to the office until the afternoon. But before Lyrical could get on with her daily tasks, she wanted to make sure she had kept everything readily available for her boss as soon as she comes in.

The day passed by quickly, but Melody neither called nor came to the office.  Lyrical called to check on her, somewhat late in the afternoon, when she could squeeze out some time to have her lunch. 

Melody answered within a few rings, "Hi! Is it urgent?" she asked.

"Oh, No.. just checking if you will be coming to the office today. Your dinner meet at seven is set, I have reconfirmed." Lyrical informed her, but Melody snapped at her, "I asked you if this call is urgent because I'm in the middle of something. Do I have to spell it out for you now? Can't you just drop a text to inform me about the bloody meeting scheduled four hours later?" and Melody disconnected that call immediately after.

Lyrical wanted to curse loudly, she was so frustrated that she just wanted to stomp, shout and curse.

Without realizing she ended up calling Gisselle. It was not until Gisselle's voice came on the phone did she realize what she had done. The moment she realized her mistake, Lyrical avoided talking about Melody and her weird mood swings.  Lyrical smiled and came up with an excuse that they both couldn't talk to each other for the last two days because she was still trying to get used to her new job without Gisselle. 

She also told Gisselle how Melody had invited her to the art gallery and she misunderstood it for an event and dressed accordingly.  After that, she mistook Joey for a female client and embarrassed herself twice in front of her boss yesterday.

Gisselle laughed heartily. "I had worse embarrassing days, than you. Trust me." she assured Lyrical.

They talked for a while, before disconnecting and surprisingly Lyrical's mood got better.

It was quarter past six in the evening and Lyrical was done with her work.  She did not leave the office, hoping Melody would stop by the office soon.

Lyrical had already dropped her several texts reminding her of her scheduled meet. Ms. Yvonne was very particular about being on time, Gisselle had told her and there's no way Melody can be late tonight.

Lyrical was also mentally ready to carry those files, herself to the said meeting location.

Lyrical took a deep breath and gathered up her courage. She finally called her boss again and the call went through. Breathing deeply she waited for her to answer the call.

"Alright, Ms. Assistant. I've already reached." Melody replied entering from her cabin door, where Lyrical was currently waiting with the files in her bag, ready on her toes to shoot out of the door as soon as Melody confirmed her current location.

Lyrical was sure, she has to personally deliver these to Melody or else she will miss out on the important thing needed for this meeting. This would only give Ms. Yvonne the impression that Melody was very casual with her approach.

"Goodness. Gisselle trained you so well. You both are so annoying." Melody whined.

Lyrical was pissed and ready to kick her boss so hard that she can never stand straight or even better kill her.  Case Closed.

"I am extremely sorry for my behavior in the afternoon. I was really.." Melody suddenly paused and then whispered, "..mindfucked."  She continued to sincerely apologize, "And I know, I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

Lyrical wanted to say 'It was alright and she understood," but remained silent instead. She thought inwardly, feeling annoyed that her anger was dissipating, 'How am I supposed to kill you, if you apologize with that innocent face?'

"Thanks!" Melody immediately replied, smiling brightly at Lyrical.

"Did you? Hear..? What I just said?" Lyrical facepalmed when Melody nodded, smirking hard.

"Fuck Me!!" They both said together. "Oh, God! You know that too?" Lyrical shrieked.

Melody burst out laughing instantaneously after, while Lyrical ran out of the cabin, somehow managing to pull out those printouts from her bag and leaving them on her table.

"So cute." Melody gushed.

Later that night. "Lyrical.. you are such an Idiot. Stupid and foolish. How do you manage to say it out loud, all those things that should be kept inside your head, every time she is around?" she huffed.

Argh!!" Lyrical cursed loudly at herself standing in front of her bedroom mirror.