Chapter Seven

She returned home looking frustrated and famished. She was so worn out and fatigued that she lay on the couch for over twenty minutes. First day at work, but it felt like she had been in slavery since forever.

After a while, she carried herself up from the couch and headed to the bathroom. She noticed that the room looked so untouched, which meant that her friend wasn't back.

Daisy had returned home by some minutes past 6pm while the normal closing time was 4pm. Stacy should have been back by now, she thought. She had never missed coming home on time, except she travelled. Daisy searched for her phone at that moment and immediately she caught hold of it, she dialed the number.

At the first ring, there was no answer. Her heart began to race faster than usual, so she calmed her nerves and tried again.

"Hey Stacy, where are you? I have been..."

"Oh, I'm at the door already, you'll see me now, alright."

The call ended abruptly, she dropped the phone and disappeared into the bathroom.

She filled the tub with cold water and soap, then stepped into the tub and stayed there for a long time.

Stacy unlocked the door and entered into the house, clutching some shopping bags. She had gone to the mall after work dismissal, the reason for her returning home late.

"Daisy." She called out sweetly, thinking Daisy might be playing hide and seek with her. She didn't get any response from her, so she continued. "Hey Daisy. Come on out, where are you?

She went to the kitchen and dropped the heavy bags, then took out the plates of food she got and headed to the room.

"Daisy, this isn't funny any more, where are you? I hope you are not playing the hide and seek game with me." She opened the door forcefully, in a bid to catch her in action, but, Daisy wasn't there.

She walked close to the bed and picked up Daisy's phone. Looking at it and reasoning, she decided that Daisy was definitely in the bathroom, though she wondered why she didn't respond to her when she called.

She opened the door slightly and found Daisy fast asleep in the bathtub. She stared at her for a while and in pity. "She must be really tired." She muttered to herself and walked up to her.

"Daisy, sweetheart. Wake up. Hey, are you alright? She asked, tapping Daisy gently.

Daisy jerked off from her sleep with a start, looking around in startling gaze. She must have lost her memory for a split second as she could not recognise her environment.

"Daisy, you don't look fine, are you good? Stacy asked quite concerned.

Getting herself at that point, she responded. "yeah yeah, of course I am fine. Only a little tired I guess."

Stacy started walking out of the bathroom. "You don't have a choice than be fine. I got a plate for you, you might have to hurry up."

"That's so sweet and you Staciena" Daisy said out loudly. "That's why I love you."

Some moments later, Daisy was out of the bathroom on wet towel round her chest, using the edge to dab her face. The towel was a little above her knee, but really long enough.

"Gosh, Stacy, it seems you read my mind. I was wondering how I would get something to eat tonight." Daisy said happily.

"Actually, I went for a little shopping with a friend, so I got some stuff. So, thanks to that friend." Stacy replied calmly, giggling thereafter.

Daisy took the plastic plate with food in it and sat down immediately to savour.

"Won't you try putting something on first before you eat?

Daisy shrugged and continued eating so fast. "Only those with a filled up stomach worry about such a thing. I'm too hungry to think twice, sorry" She replied.

Stacy laughed calmly and decided not to bother her again. They ate quietly for a while, till they were done with the food. Stacy went ahead to dispose the plates and returned to the room.

"So, tell me." Stacy continued, in total anticipation and expectancy. "How did first time at work go?

Diasy raised her hands up and dropped it lifelessly on the bed. "That is exactly the way it went. What were you expecting? A free trip to the museum on a Ferrari?

"Hahaha, that actually hurt, but I'd pass. I intended coming around, but I had my restrictions, so I couldn't risk that." Stacy explained, a little sadly.

"What restrictions? Daisy asked, confused and trying to recall if it was part of the contract she had signed.

Stacy smiled calmly, then continued. "Well, the thing is, two people from the same house are not allowed to work in SABs. This also implies to couples, that is why dating colleagues is highly prohibited. Although, some tricky ones still hide to do such."

"Wow, just getting to know that now. So, how's that..." Daisy paused and realised the implication of what Suzy had opened up to. "Wait up, you mean as roommates, we are not allowed to work in the same company?

Stacy nodded but didn't reply verbally. She could imagine what was going on in the mind of Daisy at that instant.

"But, you allowed me to go, what if you are caught? You know I can easily give up on this since I only started."

"Oh, you still think working with Dash is that easy? Very funny. Like I said, your contract is still due till two months and 30 days. So you don't have a choice to swallow what ever you see, or deal with it." Suzy finished.

Daisy lay flat on the bed thinking deeply, then asked. "When you say "deal with it", what do you actually mean?

Suzy laughed sarcastically. "Stand up to him. Tell him to his face that he doesn't have the right to treat you the way he wishes. You know, talk to him like you have." She replied, gesturing with her hands.

"Has anyone done that before? I mean, stood up to him? Daisy asked curiously.

"No one, not a soul sweet sister." She replied, paused a little, then continued. "Well except one person I know, his father. The real Don of SAB company."

"Hmmm. That is a tough one really. I'd figure out a way to soften his heart. Maybe he'll change."

"No. I wouldn't advice that you do that. Perhaps, you'll change rather. But, whatever you do, try as much to steer clear from his father, that man doesn't have a conscience." Stacy warned seriously.

"Okay, I will." Daisy answered, then muttered softly, "I wonder what will make our path cross."