Chapter 02.01: Why An Obstacle?

Two Months Ago…

Email subject line: Advertising Campaign Staff from World Spectrum Enterprises, Inc.

Dear Quinn Adeline Maynez,

We were all very excited to meet and get to know you over the past few days. We have been impressed with your background and would like to formally offer you the position of Advertising Campaign Staff.  We will be offering you an annual gross salary of $56, 400.  Your expected starting date is the 14th of April. You will be asked to sign a contract of 6 months, and nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements at the beginning of your employment. 

We would like to have your response by the 7th of April. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me or Ms. Shirley Stratton should you have any questions.

We are all looking forward to having you on our team.

Best regards,

Freyja Johnson, HR

Adeline’s hands were sweaty and cushioning the job offer letter from one of the best companies in the city. She couldn’t help from trembling in excitement. 

"I got in…" She told herself.

She calmed herself before trying to contact her mother and tell her the splendid news her daughter had just received.

Adeline carefully placed down the letter above the bed where she was currently sitting and took her phone from the bag. She started living in New York for the last couple of days while her mother was left back in their hometown, Austin, Texas. Her mother was the only one left in the family that could manage their small family business.

Adeline waited for her mother to pick up the call, but nothing was happening. She thought, 'Did my mom lose or forgot her phone again?'.

So, she contacted the office number just in case her mother really doesn’t have her phone with her.

“Hello, you’ve reached Mrs. Adele Maynez’s secretary.”

“Hello? Lizzy?”

“Hello? Who am I speaking to?”

“It’s me, Addie. Is my mom there at the office?” Adeline asked her.

“Oh, Ms. Adeline! It’s nice to hear your voice again. But, Mrs. Adele is in the meeting with the other bosses right now, so it might take a while before you can talk to her.”

“I see, well… will you please tell her I called?”

“Of course! It’s no problem. Is there anything else?”

“I don’t think so. Hmm… that would be all.”

“Alright, anytime.”

Adeline felt bad for not being able to tell her beloved mother about her new job right away. She just sent her mother a text message about it with her selfie while holding the letter before sending it.

It has now been Adeline's third month of employment with the company that recently hired her, and she could tell how clueless she is about how the company should be doing.

She can’t talk to anyone. None of the long-time employees or experienced ones can she approach without giving her a stern face or glare. Their faces will always tell her she's a distraction.

If Adeline can still remember, during the first day of her employment, it was very awkward for her. She almost thought that her co-workers would warmly welcome her because she was the only newbie, but she was wrong.

She expected too much.

Most of them were snobbish, while the senior employees were all grumpy and strict. However, there is an exception for one, and she’s sitting right next to Adeline. Her name is Sandra Veronin, an Asian-American who has long and straight black hair and has a beautiful complexion.

Adeline remembered when Sandra was the first one to greet her and she even asked her if they could be friends. Adeline didn’t hesitate, that's why until now, they're still close friends. 

"Hey, Adeline." Sandra called her.

Adeline glanced at her while she was still at her workplace, "Yeah?"

"The seniors are going to have lunch outside with the juniors. Would you like to come?" she asked.

"You're… you're asking me?"

"Yes. Uh, who else do you think I am talking to?" she snorted.

"No, it's just…" Adeline paused from talking for a while, thinking if it's a good idea for her to tag along.

Sandra gave her a pat on the back, "Oh, come on. You belong with us now, that's why come along."

"But, what if-"

"Trust me. They may be our seniors, but I'm sure they don't bite." She winked at Adeline as she helped her get up from her chair.

Adeline took her purse from her bag while Sandra was waiting for her, when one of the senior employees, Angie, called their attention.

"Wait for a second, ladies. Are you going somewhere?" Angie questioned.

Adeline went dumbfounded, but Sandra immediately took over the conversation.

"Yes, ma'am. Adeline and I would be-"

"Nah ah," Angie cut her off. "The seniors and some of OUR CHOSEN juniors will go out for lunch. The not chosen juniors should remain here."

"Well, that is the point, ma'am. Adeline and I will come along." Sandra smiled at her before glancing at the clueless newbie.

Adeline wasn't really sure what's really happening, but she's getting pretty scared.

"No, stay here. Because we do not invite you. What would the boss say if they found out that everyone is not in the office, huh?" Angie insisted on them.

Adeline glanced at Sandra and observed how good she could be in the middle of sorting the conversation out with a senior.

"If you insist, ma'am, I guess Adeline and I would stay here for lunch."

Adeline wowed. She couldn't believe her new friend would say that. Because for Adeline, Sandra doesn't have to stay with her if she would really like to come with the others.

"No. The rookie will be the one staying behind to… guard the office. Sandra, you are coming with us for lunch." Angie said.

'What?' Adeline exclaimed in her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, but why should we leave Adeline behind? I mean, she's one of us now, for 3 months already. Isn't that being unfair to her?" Sandra complained but remained with her kind tone.

"Shut your mouth, young lady. It's not just my decision…" Angie glanced and raised her left eyebrow at Adeline. "It's the majority's decision."

Adeline just wondered, 'what did she ever do wrong to them and they're treating her like that?'

They're making her feel worse. As if they already damned her for accepting the offered and vacant job position, and for coming to their lives.

Adeline turned to look at Sandra, "It's okay. You can go with them. I can stay here if that is what's needed. Enjoy your lunch."

She can see the worried and sorry face of Sandra. The reaction she would also have if her friend was being pushed down badly by the people surrounding her.

Angie started walking out of the office followed by the rest of her minions- uh, friends.

"Come on now, Sandra!" They even hear the bitchy loud voice of Angie from the outside of the office.

Sandra slightly held Adeline's hand as she smiled at her.

"Go now. I'll be fine." Adeline told her.

Sandra sighed, "I'll… bring something for you when I get back."

Adeline nodded at her as she let go of her hand and followed the trails of the rest.

She sighed as put back her purse inside the bag, before sitting down in front of her desk and facing the desktop computer.