Chapter 2

I woke up with the snooze of my alarm. It's almost 5 in the morning. I went to the bathroom to do my morning routine and proceed to my closet to grab my workout clothes and duffle bag. I ride the elevator and went to the gym located at the ground floor of my building. 

I started with some stretching then i did my workout routine. I also did some treadmill and noticed that the guy beside me is staring. I did not pay attention to him and cool down. I grabbed my water and chug the water in it. After that, I went back to my place to shower. 

I grabbed my work stuff together with my car keys and my new office keys. I still can't believe that I am getting the promotion. I drove to the office and parked at my usual spot. I wore my heels. I'm not used to wearing heels at work since I walk around the power plant most of the time but now I would usually stay in my new office and sign a lot of paper.

I went to my old office to pack the rest of my stuff. I saw my friends approaching. Bea hugged me which almost made me fell. I saw how sad everyone is right now and I have no idea how to react.

"Do you need us to put this in your car?" Tracy asked me, pointing at my stuff that are now packed.

"What? No." They are all shocked with my reply.

"What do you mean? You're not fired?" Bea is confused and so is the other two.

"No. I need to move to the office upstairs." I thought I might clear things up with that but it made them look more confused.

"Why exactly is that?" Thalia asked me. She raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms.

"Don't cross your arms in front of your new head engineer." I said smiling. They are all shocked. Before they react, I grabbed the rest of my stuff. They also grabbed the rest of the boxes and followed me through the elevator. I pressed the 14th floor.

"We are not allowed there." Thalia protested.

"You'll be." I told them. They are still dumbfounded with the news but I let them savour it during the ride. 

The elevator opened in the 14th floor. I showed my new ID to the receptionist. She's about to ask my friends for their ID when I speak.

"They are with me. I'm moving my stuff." The receptionist nodded and let us passed.

"Bitch, you slay!" Bea screamed as soon as Thalia closed the door.

"I cannot believe we have a head engineer friend and oh my God! You are wearing a freaking heels." Tracy said pointing at my foot. I just smiled and arrange my things.

"Hey we have to go. See you in the meeting. Let's celebrate soon. I'm proud of you" Thalia hugged me and whispered the last words in my ear. She move away and smiled. She's always been that sophisticated quiet friend of mine.

"Bitch let's drink some other time, okay?" I smiled to Bea and she hugged me.

"I don't know what to say. You can do this!" Tracy said and hugged me as well. They left the office and I unpacked my things. I started reviewing the resume for my secretary that Alexis dropped here this morning. I finished almost lunch so I texted my friends to meet me for lunch.

The meeting is after lunch so we decided to come together. We entered the hall and Ms. Avery greeted us and pointed in the first row chairs. She will be the one announcing the news about my promotion. Most of the engineers are already here. My heart started pounding inside my chest. I have to stand in front of this professionals and have a speech later. My hands are shaking but Thalia held my hand. 

"You can do this. Don't shake." She whispered. I just nodded at her and looked up to see Ms. Avery. She started to announce some important memos and proceeded to my introduction.

"So I don't know if everybody is aware that Engr. Miller was dismissed by the boards for some important reason. In light with this issue, the board decided to appoint the new head engineer of this department. This person showed initiative and exemplary work in the department and her decision making has been very helpful to the company. That person is non other than Engr. Gabriella Summers." Ms. Avery smilled and pointed her hamds on the floor, giving me the chance to take it. I was so nervous but I stood as confidently as I could.

"Good day my fellow engineers. Most of you might know me from the incident from the past week. I never thought that it will be a reason for another door of opportunity to happen. Initiative is the key for this succes and I never thought a person like me, who is so afraid of taking risk, will ever say these words but I'll say it anyways. Take initiatve. We are engineers. We are taught to solve problems under the worst circumstances. As the new head engineer, I am here to support you in taking your chances for the betterment of this department and I hope that we get alonmg well while doing that. Thank you and good day to all of you." I smiled to them and get back to my seat. I heard compliments from the audience together with their claps. 

Ms. Avery ended the meeting and I was greeted by colleagues. I went back to my office for the interview the applicants for the secretary position. I heard the knock from my door so I looked up. 

"Engr. Summers, the applicants are ready." Alexi smiled at me and I nodded. 

The applicants started coming in and I started asking them some questions. I'm down to the last applicant but I still can't see someone fit for the job. 

Annielyn Lopez

The last applicant entered the door and I scanned her with my eyes. She's wearing a pants and a cute white polo paired with a blazer that goes with the pants. She has this huge bag with a water bottle sticking out. I can see her innocent eyes behind her thick eyeglass. She smiled to me sweetly.

"Good afternoon, Engineer." she shyly muttered.

"Hello Annielyn-" Annie cut me off.

"Uhm you can call me Annie if you're more comfortable with that." She said and smiled.

"Okay, Annie. Why do you think I should hire you?" I look at her directly to see her reaction.

"Becuase I do this." She pulled a binder out of her huge bag along with her tablet.She handed it to me.

"What are these?" I asked while browsing the contents.

"Those were my schedules during my college days. I know I don't have the best experience among all the applicants but I am organized and well spoken. I think that is the most important characteristic of a secretary that you'll need." I nodded while still browsing her binder. I glanced at her and smiled. 

I like this girl.

"So Annie, is tomorrow good for you?" I saw the happiness in her eyes as she nod repeatedly.

"Thank you so much Engineer" She offered her hand.

"Call me Miss Gab. That is easier. See you tomorrow, Annie." I smiled at her. I talked to her and brief her with some do's and dont's. She took some notes and asked me some questions. 

She left the office after some talks and I changed my shoes into sneakers. I went down to do my daily inspections. I am loving this job a lot. 

I packed my stuff and grabbed my bag and my iPad. My phone beeped. It was Annie.

Annie: Miss Gab, good evening. I just want to ask if you want me to grab you coffee tomorrow morning on my way to work? I just wanna know if you have any specific order?

Me: I brew my own coffee at home but I would love a chocolate waffle. Thank you.

Annie: Okay Miss Gab. Have a good night :)

I put back the phonw inside my bag and went to my car. I just had some drive thru foods for dinner and went to bed.

It was a tiring but rewarding day. I hope the following days would be as smooth as this one.