Chapter 22: SEMINAR

" Natasha, get in here right now or I'm leaving" I honked loudly. We are going to a seminar for crying out loud, not a party. How long does it take?

" Quit honking, I'm here already" she got into the car and I started the engine immediately. So early. What's with women and taking so much time to get ready?

" Why do I have to drive you there anyway? What's wrong with your car? Plus, you kept me waiting" I questioned, fully focused on the road.

" It makes more sense to go in one car, we are going to the same place. Why bother waste gas?"

" I'm not complaining"

" Like you would ever, you never complain about anything" I caught unto her sarcasm.

" Of course I don't" I argued, losing focus for a second to stare at her. I lost hold of the staring wheel and swerved in the wrong direction before gaining control quickly.

" DO YOU WANT TO GET US KILLED? I HAVE A CHILD FOR CRYING OUT LOUD" Way to be a drama queen. I had no idea she was Lucy's mother, totally helpful.

" It's not my fault, you wasted so much time and now I have to worry about getting there on time" The last thing I wanted was for Sam to find another reason to query me. It was bad enough that I had lost my respect before him and is forced to attend this seminar, I didn't want any complications.

" It's not mine either" she responded defensively.

" Great so we blame it on ghosts right?"

" No dummy, I was on a call with my sister. Apparently, Lucy was being difficult" She says wearily. But since when as Lucy not being difficult? I think it's genetic.

" Oh, we blame it on Samantha. Perfect" At least, someone was to blame.

" I... I... I give up on you" she stuttered and leaned against the window. That ought to shut her up.

" Want me to turn on the radio? " I asked plastering the most innocent face ever.

" No, just drive and try not to get us killed this time."

" Whatever you say, ma'am. I enjoy being your chauffer, seeing as I don't have more important things to do with my life." Being in the same car with her will drive me nuts. Especially if I was behind the wheels, I'm not the most careful driver. It seems she was going to shout every time I wasn't paying attention to the road.

Eventually, after countless arguments, escaping death narrowly, breaking multiple traffic rules, and a speeding ticket { Which Natasha rubbed in my face} we arrived at the agency in one piece. The agency wasn't as busy as it would have been on a normal working day. Nobody was trooping in and out. The best part was, much to my surprise we arrived just in time and I had few minutes to spare. Enough to stop by Sam's office, to tell him I was in attendance. It wasn't like there was going to be a roll call or anything, this was the only to make him know I attended the seminar after all.

" Run along, I will stop by Sam's office to announce my presence" I instructed Natasha who in turn rolled her eyes at me before leaving. We headed in opposite directions and I chose to use the stairs instead of an elevator. Climbing one step at a time, I briskly got to the first floor. I hadn't seen Sam since he gave me the passcard..

" Hey Sam, just wanted to let you know that I actually showed up. I'm taking your professionalism speech seriously."

" Good for you" he was signing some documents not looking up. I stepped out, shutting the door behind me. Time to get this seminar done with. I made a mental note to never upset Sam, he was getting creative with his punishments, worse still he might just fire me altogether. I found my way to the room where the event was held. I huffed, realizing the passcard wasn't needed after all. No bouncer was stopping those without the card from entering. Seats were arranged strategically, facing a podium. Almost all chairs were occupied so I sat at the back waiting for them to start so they'll finish quickly. Glancing around, I tried to search for Natasha among the crowd. It will be easier when I'm about to leave if I knew where she was, there won't be a need to waste time looking for her. I found her sitting at the front, beside Stacey. I scrunched up my nose and sat down.

What was she doing here?. It wasn't like she's new at this and it's unlikely that this was a punishment for her too. So, it's best to say she came here voluntarily. How ironic. Why would anyone volunteer to sit through a seminar on professionalism and positivity for hours?.... Meanwhile, the only thing I want to do is anything but this. I bet Sam would love to be her agent.

" Hey" Someone sat down on the chair beside me.

" Ummm" I looked back and forth between the lady by my side and where Natasha was sitting.

" I didn't know you'll come"

" Weren't you with Natasha like 2 seconds ago?" I asked. She giggled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

" Yup" popping her P, she smiled ever so brightly.

" OK?"

" I saw you looking at Natasha and thought to say hi"

" oh, I see"

" I had not expected you to be here."

" Trust me, neither had I" I shook my head, remembering Sam's antics.

" Well, some of these his things are useful for brushing up your skills" True, and also good as punishment when you need to be reprimanded.

"Right" I pulled my phone out of my pocket, cutting our conversation short. It still felt weird speaking to Stacey. Maybe, she will pounce on me any time soon. I shuddered at that thought.

" Do you need company? Maybe I-"

" No, no. I'm fine, you can sit with Natasha. Thank you" I silently prayed that she didn't think about it.

" OK, see you soon" She waved before finding her way back. I released my breath, I didn't even know I had been holding.