Turbulent Re-encounter: A test of trust

The sun rose over the sleepy city, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets. Another day dawned at the Journals Company, and Mirabel was already stirring, her excitement palpable. She woke up earlier than usual, a broad smile spreading across her face as she thought about the proposal that had come in the previous day. The prospect of spending more time with Vicky had her buzzing with anticipation.

After a quick shower and a hasty breakfast, Mirabel grabbed her bag and headed out the door, the morning air invigorating her senses. She slipped into her car, feeling the soft leather wrap around her, and started the engine, the purr of the motor a soothing sound. As she drove to work, her mind wandered to the tasks ahead, but her smile never faltered, Vicky's face etched in her mind.

Upon arriving at the office gates, Mirabel drove into the building, the security guard, Mark, greeting her with a cheerful "Good morning!" She nodded in response, her smile still radiant, and pulled into her designated parking spot. As she entered the reception area, she exchanged pleasantries with Lucy, the receptionist, who looked up from her computer with a shock expression on her face.

"Good morning, Miss Mirabel," Lucy stammered, her eyes sparkling with confusion. Mirabel's response was a bright "Good morning, Lucy. Hope you had a good night's rest."

"Yes, ma'am. You came earlier than usual," Lucy observed.

"Yeah, I just decided to come in early today," Mirabel replied, as she scanned the reception area. Her gaze landed on a visitor sitting in the waiting area, and her eyes narrowed slightly, taking in the stranger's features. Her eyes widened with shock and anger as she shouted, "Rose!"

Mirabel pulled Rose up from her seat, her voice stern. "What the hell are you doing here? Why have you come here again?"

Rose tried to speak, but Mirabel interrupted, giving her no chance to explain. "Lucy, why on earth is she here, and why didn't you send her out immediately she came in? Why?"

Lucy looked flustered, and Dianne and Mason, who were already in the office, came downstairs as they heard Mirabel's raised voice.

"Ma'am... well..." Lucy started to explain, but Mirabel cut her off. "Well, what?"

Rose chimed in, "Please listen to me—"

"Shut up," Mirabel snapped, her anger evident as her brow furrowed and her eyes flashed.

Mirabel's eyes narrowed as she noticed Dianne's presence. "Dianne, what the hell is this woman doing in my office?" she demanded. "Why didn't you send her out?"

Dianne stammered, "Ma'am, we...I didn't notice her when I came in."

Mirabel's gaze shifted to Lucy. "Lucy, I'll ask you again: why is she here?"

Lucy hesitated before explaining, "Ma'am, she's here for a job. Ruth told me she's resigning soon, so I thought I'd fill the gap. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to stress you out..."

Mirabel's voice rose. "What?! Ruth informed you she's resigning, and you didn't bother to inform me first? You just went ahead and took this step without my permission? What's wrong with you, Lucy? And even if you wanted to hire someone, why her?"

Lucy attempted to defend herself. "I just felt—"

Mirabel cut her off. "You just felt what? Why?"

She paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "You know what? I woke up in a good mood this morning, and I don't want anything to spoil it. So, please, leave this instance."

Lucy looked taken aback. "Me?"

Mirabel's response was firm. "The person I'm talking to knows herself. Look, please don't do this to me. I really need this job," Rose pleaded. "I know our first two meetings were bad, but I really apologize. I know you feel insecure about me being around you or Vicky, but I promise I'm over it now."

Mirabel's expression remained unyielding. "I don't give a f*ck about your change or anything. Just leave. We're not hiring."

As Mirabel pushed Rose toward the exit door, Rose nearly fell, but Vicky grabbed her. Rose's eyes met Vicky's, and she smiled briefly before standing up straight.

"Are you alright?" Vicky asked, concern etched on her face.

Rose nodded. "Yes, thank you."

Vicky turned to Mirabel. "What's wrong?"

Mirabel's response was adamant. "Vicky, please don't interfere. I just want her to leave."

Vicky's attention shifted to Rose. "What are you doing here? I told you to stop stalking me. You and I are done. There's no fixing us. Why on earth did you come here?"

Rose's voice was calm. "Vicky, I'm not here for you or anything related to our past. I'm here for a job. I received a call from Lucy about a vacant spot, so I had to come. Even if I have to work as a cleaner, I don't mind, as long as I'm earning some money."

Vicky's expression turned incredulous. "Why didn't you try other places? Why did you choose to come here? What do you want with me, Rose? Can't you let me live my life in peace?"

Rose's expression changed, she glanced at Mirabel and said, "I'm sorry for the commotion I caused in the past. I know I acted out of proportion. I see you've moved on, and I'm cool with that. I don't want to fix our relationship anymore. I don't want to be with you anymore, I sincerely just want to work, that's all," Rose said. "And immediately, I received that call... I just had to rush down here... But if you don't want me here, then I'll leave. Thanks for hearing me out, at least."

"You're welcome," Mirabel said, pointing to the exit door. "Now, please leave."

"Alright," Rose said, turning to leave. Her heart held onto the hope that Vicky would call her back. "Wait, Rose..." Vicky said.

Rose's face lit up with a smile as she turned back. "Yes?"

Vicky turned to Mirabel. "Mirabel, please give her a chance."

"Mirabel, what are you saying? What has gotten into you?" Vicky asked.

"Please, just consider it..." Vicky continued, but Mirabel cut him off.

"No, Vicky, I won't consider it," Mirabel said, rushing upstairs to her office. Vicky turned to Rose and said, "Just wait, I'll convince her."

Vicky followed Mirabel into her office. "Mirabel, listen to me," he said, grabbing her arm.

"Listen to what exactly, Vicky? What were you saying downstairs? You want me to consider...?"

"I understand your point, but..." Vicky began, but Mirabel interrupted.

"No, you don't, Vicky. You just don't. I don't want her here. She's from your past, Vicky. I'm worried about you and, most importantly, I'm worried about us and our relationship. What will happen if she works here?"

Vicky sighed, pulling Mirabel to her seat and sitting on her desk. He placed his hands on her face and gave her a warm smile. "Mirabel, don't you trust me?"

"Why are you asking me that question?" Mirabel replied.

"Do you trust me, Mirabel?" Vicky asked again.

"Of course, I do," she replied.

"Then you have nothing to worry about. Just as you said, she's my past and nothing more than that. You're my present and my future, and nothing is ever going to change that."

"But Vicky, I don't want her here. I don't want you to start remembering the past experiences you shared with her. I don't want to feel left out, Vicky."

"I understand what you're saying, but trust me, nothing bad is going to happen. I'll be with you forever, and I promise."

Vicky paused, waiting for Mirabel's response. Mirabel hugged him tightly and said, "Promise."

"I promise you," Vicky replied.

"So, can she work here now?" he asked.

"Alright, she can... but," Mirabel said, releasing Vicky from her firm grip. "I don't want her anywhere around you."

"Yes, ma'am," Vicky replied. They both embraced each other once more, and Vicky headed downstairs.

As he walked towards the reception, he called out to Rose. "Rose."

"Yes, Vicky," Rose replied.

"You can resume work on Monday," Vicky said. Rose's face bloomed with a smile as she rushed to hug Vicky, but he held her back.

"Excuse me," Vicky said.

"I'm sorry, I just got too excited. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. For now, you may leave. We'll be expecting you on Monday."

"Okay, thank you," Rose said, waving goodbye to Vicky as she left the building.

Vicky turned to Dianne and Mason, who were still standing in the reception. "You'd better return to your workstations. She's still not in a good mood."

"But Vicky, why did you allow her to work here?" Dianne asked.

"Everyone deserves a chance," Vicky said, heading back upstairs.

As Dianne and Mason turned to leave the reception, the rest of their colleagues started entering the building. "You're highly welcome," Dianne said. "I must say, you all missed a big show."

"What happened?" Jimmy asked, his eyes popping with curiosity.

"I'll tell you later," Dianne said. "For now, you should go to your offices. Miss Mirabel isn't in a good mood."

They all returned to their duty posts, and Lucy said to herself, "I hope it works out."