Boss Next Door

“Hi, Mom,” I say stiffly into her voice mail. “I just wanted to check in, to let you know that the move went alright and I’m settled in now. Erm, I’m just about to start my new job and I’m a little nervous which is why I called you, but you are obviously busy…” I can’t mention David because he will likely hear it. “So, I can either call you back later on, or maybe you could give me a call when you have some more time. Whatever you want. Love you…” Oh God, a thick ball of emotion has suddenly lodged in my throat. “Miss you. Hope to hear from you soon.”

She must miss me, my mother has to miss me and love me. I know that about her but I don’t know if she will be able to express that. David definitely doesn’t let her be herself which is awful. I just want to reach into that situation and change it, but for now all I can do is sit around helplessly and wait. Wait until Mom realizes the hell she is in. Perhaps if she is allowed at some point, she could come and visit me alone. Maybe seeing me blossom without David’s shadow hanging over me will inspire her to do the same thing. If only that could happen…

“Serena, is that you?” a kind woman speaks to me, shaking me from my thoughts. “Starting today?”

“Yes, that’s right.” I shake her hand, trying to make myself feel like I belong here. “Alisha?”

“That’s right. It’s nice to finally meet you face to face, Serena. Thank you for waiting for me. I will take you up to the work room now and show you your desk. Then we can start the training so you can get used to our computer system and how everything works.” She shoots me a winning smile, actually helping me to relax. “I know how intimidating that it can be to begin a new job so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. That’s why I’m here.”

“Thank you so much, Alisha,” I gasp out happily. “That means a lot to me. I’ll try not to trouble you too much.”

“Oh no, don’t worry. You won’t be any trouble at all. You will be used to it soon enough anyway.”

We share some small talk as she takes me up the stairs to see my new desk and to meet my new colleagues, helping me to relax just a little bit. There is still a lot of tension in my shoulders, but I feel more confident now. Like I can actually do this. Who knows, I might even end up really finding my feet in the world here…

As we reach the office, Alisha introduces me to everyone, but it’s an ocean of faces and names that I definitely won’t be able to remember in one day, but I’m hoping that will come over time. At least everyone is smiling at me, looking like I am welcome here, and that they may even want to be my friends which is nice.

I can’t wait to tell Will all about this, I think proudly to myself. He is going to love it.

Someone makes me a coffee from the drinks machine, letting me know that it definitely isn’t the best, while Alisha goes through everything with me. I make notes as much as I can because I know how my brain works, and having everything on paper works out best for me. I can remember it much better and refer back to it when I need to, but honestly with each passing second, I start to feel like this is really going to work out perfectly for me.

All the missed parties, the lack of friendships, the nights that I spent studying so hard have all been worth it to bring me here. I didn’t know what I was going to get when I moved home, it was a scary and thrilling experience, but so far it has turned out to be the best decision that I could have made. This is totally perfect.

“You are getting this so much quicker than me,” Alisha tells me with a smile. “The boss will be pleased.”

“The boss?” All of a sudden, my nerves are back with a leap. “The big boss?”

“Yes, Mr. Brent.” She smiles reassuringly at me, but I don’t know if I can calm down. “He always likes to meet new employees. There are a few people starting today because obviously the company has been expanding, which I think that he forgot about to be honest.” She giggles girlishly. “When I mentioned it this morning, he looked at me blankly. But anyway, while he doesn’t interview staff and leaves that to the department heads and the HR, who know what they need more than him, he does like to meet them. I don’t know when he will be around though. Once he’s done with everything else, I suppose.” She must spot the sheer terror on my face. “Oh, but don’t worry, Serena. He is going to love you. You are doing so well.”