Chapter 5

I was kinda nervous when I sent the email to HR that morning, but it was the culmination of all I was doing outside work in the last week. I lost my appetite and I was beginning to eat snacks again, which was not healthy.

I followed the lawyer's advice and made a dossier with all the information that I wanted to highlight. I was trying to be professional and honest, so it was detailed but not too detailed on the kind of bullying I suffered.

I am not going to lie that it was uncomfortable going back to those years and remembering the details of what happened. I found images of the fliers and also some notes that I took back in the day about what happened to me.

I managed to get the contact of 2 old colleagues and the owner of the coffee shop that I hung out in. They were more than happy to provide some signed letters and the owner of the coffee shop said that he would testify if needed.

I was happy about it, but I didn't want to get this out of proportion. I just wanted her to leave me alone and that what happened in the past, did not happen again. I hoped she would not be fired, but if she was, I was not going to lose sleep over it.

After a few minutes, the HR scheduled a meeting and reserved a meeting room for us. My manager came to my desk almost immediately.

_ Hey Adam. How are you?

_ Hey Brian. What's up? - I asked feeling nervous.

_ That is what I ask. Is everything alright with you? I just received a message from HR that they want to see us later for a meeting.

_ Oh. That. - I said without knowing how to continue. - Well, there is something that I wanted to discuss with HR and let them know.

_ Is it something that I or the team did? - He asked in a low but caring tone. - There is no problem if that is the case, I just want to let you know that you can come to me if you need anything.

_ No. I... it was nothing you guys did. It is just personal.

He shook his head for a moment.

_ Alright, I will let you to it then. But let me know if there is anything that I or the company can do to make you happy. - He said with a smile.

_ Don't worry. You got it, boss. - I said smiling back.

_ Hey, don't call me that. We are still buddies. - He said with a laugh while patting my shoulder. - Just keep me in the loop.

I agreed and we got back to work until the scheduled meeting. When it was time, we walked together to the meeting room.

I bought my notebook with me and I was focused on what I was going to say to the HR person when Brian stood still and murmured something I could not understand. When I looked up, I knew what he meant.

Coming toward us there was this tall blonde woman, she was the HR person that we would talk to. I didn't notice she was the one who scheduled our meeting.

She was one of the most beautiful women that I had ever seen. I was 172cm tall but she should have at least 190cm, long blonde hair tied in a neat bun, and some large round glasses framing her blue eyes. Some of the guys said that she used to be a volleyball player.

Her outfit was very professional, but for me that only made her more attractive. She wore a tight black long skirt, with a small parting in the leg, and a blazer that outlined her beautiful figure.

Brian was taller than me, and even he had to look up when she shook his hand.

_ Good to see you Samantha.

_ You too Brian. - She said with a firm voice. - Nice to meet you too Adam.

_ Nice meeting you too ma'am. - I said trying to be polite.

_ Samantha is fine. - She said looking at me from above. - Let's continue our conversation inside.

Brian gave me a look and then entered the room with her. 

Samantha sat at the head of the small table, so me and Brian sat in front of each other. She opened her own notebook and adjusted her glasses. When she spoke again, her tone was very professional.

_ We are here because you wanted to provide some files to the HR team about your previous relationship with a coworker, is that correct?

Brian looked at me confused.

_ Yes, that is correct. - I said and his face just looked more puzzled.

_ You are aware that we request you to inform HR if there is any romantic involvement between two coworkers although it is not prohibited by our company? - She asked looking at me with a serious face.

_ Yes, but this is not the kind of involvement we have. - I said opening my notebook.

_ You don't have to inform HR if you are having sex with one another. - she said in the same serious tone.

Brian looked at her, and then back at me.

_ What is going on Adam?!

_ That is also not the kind of relationship that we had. - I said feeling a little frustrated. - I made a document that I would like to show you.

And then for the next 20 min, I presented my college trauma to my HR and my boss. It was a weird experience.

Brian was kinda shocked and asked a bunch of questions. Some of them were not even pertinent to the case (such as what class we were together, or what was the name of the coffee shop owner), but Samantha remained silent. She crossed her fingers in front of her face and listened to the whole presentation.

I sent them the document that I compiled while Brian reclined back in his chair.

_ Well, that is an involvement alright. Thank you for sharing with us. - he said.

_ Yes. - Samantha said while looking at the screen of her notebook. - Thank you for sharing. Adam, do you mind leaving the room for a bit?

Brian looked at her and then back at me.

_ Sure.

I took my leave to grab a cup of water. I thought that I was going to be nervous, but honestly, I was at peace. I had all the data gathered and it was very clear. Truth was at my side, so I didn't had to worry about it.

Once Brian and Samantha finished, she called me in.

_ Well Adam. First off, thank you for sharing these with us. It is important for us to foster an environment of trust and respect with one another. - Her voice was calm and even gentle, but then again, her tone and posture shifted to a professional mood as she continued. - I will confirm your story and if everything is as you said, I will add it to your and Kristal's files. Is that alright?

_ Yes. That is fine by me. - I answered.

_ Good. Now, I don't want any of you to share this with anyone. Not even as a funny story and especially not written in company communication. You hear?

_ Yes ma'a... Samantha. - I said a little nervous.

_ Good. - She said closing her notebook and then getting up. She shook our hands and walked away.

When he knew she was out of reach, Brian piped up:

_ I am glad that she is helping us, but I am a little terrified of her.

_ Oh man, I thought that was just me. - I said breathing out loud. - She is scary right?!

_ Very scary. I hope she does not find any problems with your story, because she would tear you apart.

_ She will not. And if it was her, maybe I would let it. - I said trying to push a little joke to light the mood.

Brian laughed and placed a hand on my shoulder.

_ Where I am from, we say that some people are too much sand for your little truck.

_ What does it mean? - I asked smiling again.

_ It means don't bite more than you can chew. - He said while we started walking back to our desks. - Maybe there is a better one... Be careful what you wish for...?

Automatically I finished his sentence:

_ You just might get it.

We both laughed for a moment knowing that it would never happen.