Chapter 4 : Boy Toy Pet

         “Joanna, what is this proposal about this random business strategy with no real end goal? What is the framework for this? I hardly think it’s newsworthy or worth any minute of your life doing. I suggest you don’t waste your time, my time, or anyone else’s time on this.”

Mikayla reprimanded her junior project manager. She didn’t raise her voice but with her serious tone, Joanna had shivers, and everyone else in the team turned their head in her direction.

“I-I am sorry, Mikayla. I will propose a new draft…” Joanna answered, her voice shaken. Her height was so much shorter than Mikayla who stood tall at a common model height of almost six feet tall. And so, she felt bullied without her boss trying.

“You said this last time. I have yet to see any improvement. I hope for a better result next time. And by next time, I mean the end of today. We are a business, not a writing academy. I need results.” Mikayla said matter of factly. She held professionalism an extremely high regard and this sloppy writing infuriated her.

“I… I am really really sorry, Mikayla…” Joanna choke. She teared up, and she turned her back.

“Excuse me…” Then she broke down in sob when she ran away to the restroom.

Wait…

Mikayla found herself being the center of attention of everyone in the entire floor. This innovation and tech department is a department of thirty employees and all of them just stared at her.

Mikayla just stood there flabbergasted.

She felt numb with the weight of accusation in everyone’s eyes.

Trying not to think much about it, she turned her back and walked back to her executive office. She hadn’t even get through the door and close it that the accusing chatters started.

‘Oh my, she started again. That was rough.’

‘Poor Joanna. Who could reach her incredibly high standard?’

‘Yeah, what the hell was that?’

Mikayla was heaving; partly from rage of the injustice of the criticism and partly from her inability to be liked.

Most of the people in this department were from the traditional banking business with only a few new hires. Most were older than her. And most had been in the industry and this firm for decades. She was just a new executive who could not fit in. Not with her direct report, not with everyone.

All her constructive criticisms were further criticized.

All her good works were ignored.

How unfair…

She wanted to leave this office and this building all together.

This raging migraine was unbearable…

9.00 PM

         Mikayla got home earlier than usual today. She finished all her works earlier. The thought of that kid came to mind but she didn’t think much about him. He probably left her place already. That was good. She didn’t want any more headache or burden in her life. She just want to eat a proper meal at home, shower, and sleep in peace without thinking of anything else. Today was rough.

         “HELLO! How’s your day, beautiful lady? Welcome home!” A loud joyful greeting was the first thing she heard when she opened her condo. Wide eyed and flabbergasted again today for a totally different reason, Mikayla was taken aback.

         “You! You are still here??” She really thought he really left since the morning after she went to work. He said he would.

         “I did reconsider going out… but yeah, waking up this morning and really think about it, that is a dumb plan. I have only the very little money you gave me. I will spend it all soon enough with the bus fee, and some food, and then I will be homeless and aimless without knowing if my memory will return. Nah… too sad when I think about that!! So… I just sat here and wait for you. I love the food you cooked. And I’m sooooo hungry! Let’s eat something together? Please! Pleaseeeee….”

         Mikayla was lost for words. But once she knew it, she finished cooking a few menu for the mysterious young man. He was holding a knife and fork in anticipation while waiting for her at the table. He was still cheering her as if she was competing in a sport match when in truth she was just cooking simple meals.

         “Do you consider leaving my place after this dinner? I can give you more money…” She offered tiredly. Mikayla felt sorry for the man but she couldn’t take care of him indefinitely, she never have to take care of anyone else. Besides, she had her own problems to think about.

         “What? No… no. Please, no. I’m still very blank about my life. If I go out, I will definitely be homeless and I don’t even know if whoever hurt me wanted me dead or not, I might got attack again. Do you really going to let me face that fate?” He was pleading, being all serious, but for some reason, Mikayla was reminded of a sad puppy.  

         She sighed, not knowing what to do. She felt sorry for him but he could not be her responsibility.

         Suddenly, an idea popped up. Something to drive him away. Hah, this might be something fun to say.

         She stated coldly.

         “If you want to stay under my roof, and have me being a provider, the only status you can take is as my pet. I can order you to do anything I want. No matter what I order, you have no right to deny. If you can’t take it, just leave.”

         Mikayla didn’t even blink her eyes. The only way she knew how to drive a man away was to be ruthless and authoritative over him. This young man was no different. He couldn’t possibly agreed to this. No man wanted to be just a pet to a woman. He must have his male ego.

         “What?” The young man was confused and speechless as expected.

         He took a step back and lost in thought.

         He scratched his head where the bandage was at.

         “No…”

         See? Mikayla smiled. She was right about this after all. She liked it when she was right. He might scold her a little bit on proposing this insulting offer, but she will be alone after that and don’t have to see him ever again. She was planning in her head on drawing water in her bathtub and lighting some candled when he added.

         “No…no way I would say no!!! Oh my gosh, this is such a great offer!”

         What?

Has he lose his mind from the head injury?

“What??? You agreed just like that?”

That was unexpected. Mikayla was stunned to the point of shock. She was flabbergasted for the third time today and didn’t know what else to say.

“Of course I agree! It’s a good deal, no? Now, I guess you can name me. I don’t have a name yet, remember? John Doe doesn’t sound cool. And since I’m your pet, you have to name me any way.”

Since he was in it, Mikayla found her self going with the flow. This strange flow of life.

She looked at him, really looking at him, and she was reminded of Michelangelo’s David once again.

“Davey…” Then she named the young man that was now her pet.

         Unintentionally, she put out her hand and stroked his hair. He bowed his head to her touch.

         “I like the name. Hello, I’m Davey.” He said while giving her a bright smile. The blow to his head earlier must really have had some damaging effect. It’s that or he has always been fundamentally liberal that even when losing his memories, he still agrees to this…

         She thought and blinked a few times, confused about what she got herself into.

         “Alright, I will be calling you Davey from now on…”

         “Sure thing, master…” He called her that like he really was her pet. He nudged his head against her hand as if playing with it.

Why do you have to act like such an adorable little puppy?

         “Mikayla. Just call me Mikayla. That’s my name.”

         “Mikayla… that’s a cute name.” No one ever said that to her ever.

         He gave her the sincerest smile she had ever seen along with those sweet words. Suddenly, Mikayla forgot all her problems at work earlier or any worry at all. When she looked into Davey’s bright blue eyes and stroking his soft hair, she couldn’t think of anything else.