Chapter 11: An additional designation for Rachel

Two weeks had passed, Rachels thought of Jeremy

I have gotten used with Jeremy, the creepy Director around. In fact, he was not creepy at all. I needed to erase his nick-name, otherwise it would be an embarrassment if he knew about it.

My lunches and dinners during weekdays were mostly with Jeremy. It had become a routine for us and I have learned to ignore gossips.

The rumours soon faded away and it seemed to be a common thing that no one bothered to gossip anymore. Jeremy was right about it.

I didnt feel any pressure when spending time with him. His offer of sending me home every night has had became a routine as well.

Anyway, my focus was totally on the documentations for the three projects that were to be carried out concurrently. My team and I had completed the first two projects, and the third project was almost 90% done.

We have three days to our dateline, therefore, we have to go into full swing to complete it in two days which includes proof reading, triple checking, and so forth.

Physically tired but manageable. We continued to stay until 9:00pm for the last two days, and we submitted everything for the three projects exactly on the due date, which happened to be Friday, last day of our working days of the week.

The Management Team was very impressed with our effort and performance. Jeremy was happy, satisfied and offered to celebrate with Japanese food on the following Saturday night. My team, of course agreed and were excited about it as well.

I was in a good mood because I could start planning for my long-awaited vacation. I have at least thirty days of unused annual leave that need to be utilised before this year-end.

Thus, I decided to apply for my leave today, at least fourteen days before I decide on my destination.

Then, I noticed that everyone including my team were clocking-out because the clock had ticked at 5:30pm. John exclaimed, Wow! This has been a quite some time since we last clocked out on the dot. Everyone agreed including me.

Instead of leaving with them, I took the Leave Application Form and start filling out the form, while browsing through the calendar for the dates.

I wanted to bring the duly-completed form to Jeremy for his approval before I clock-out. I knew that he was still in the office.

Knock! Knock! Come in, Rachel he called out as he could see me standing at the door through the glass panel.

Jeremy, sorry to bother you. I am applying for a 14-day annual leave. According to my leave record, I have thirty days of annual leave that are unused, and it has to be utilised by this year-end. I continue to express my reason of seeing him at his hour.

Jeremy looked up at me, and said I know about it. You deserve a break. But, I still need you around at the meantime.

Huh? I frowned, Why?

Please dont be disappointed. I need you to assist me in setting up the new office system, and I am going to appoint you as my secretary. Jeremy smiled, and you are going to be by my side most of the time.

A sudden frustration filled my heart. I could guessed that my frustration was well written on my face.

I have no idea when you could have your vacation? Maybe you have to put in on hold at the meantime. I am sorry but I really need you to assist me, he further explained softly.

Alright I replied unwillingly.

Another thing, as your secretary? I am not sure whether I could multi-task as Assistant HR & Administrative Manager and a secretary. I commented.

Suddenly, the word salary poked up in my mind. I asked abruptly, How about my salary? Any increase for being your secretary?

Jeremy smiled at her question,

She is something, a very straightforward person. I like this personality, I was saying in his heart.

Definitely, it will be quite a handsome sum. I spoke while she nodded to my answer.

Rachel, lets have dinner now. Then, I would send you home. I smiled at her, hoping to boost her mood.

Rachel didnt refuse me, instead replied with a faint hmm.

Jeremy and Rachel went to the nearest food court situated in the nearest mall to Rectitude Development for a simple western food cuisine.

An hour later, Jeremy wanted to send Rachel home. However, Rachel had other plan.

After walking out of the food court, I looked at my phone and seeing that it was early still. I decided to go to the bookstore.

Jeremy spoke, Rachel, let me send you home now.

I quickly decline his offer and said, I would like to patronise the bookstore first before going home. I paused and looked at him before I uttered the word, alone.

He smiled at me and replied, Alright. Which bookstore? Let me send you there.

You dont have to send me there. It is in this mall. Anyway, thank you for everything. I replied and we continued to chat for some moments before we parted ways.

Soon, I arrived at the bookstore and searched for books of my interest. Then, I saw some stationery for painting. Suddenly, the scenery of my dream came to my mind. I have decided to paint the scenery, thus, I began to pick a drawing block of A3 size, painting stand, canvas colours and brushes.

As I queued up at the checkout counter waiting for my turn, a voice startled me. Honey, I want to search for books on management. That was a familiar voice coming behind me, at least about three or four persons behind me.

Then, a second voice said, Geoff, why are we in this bookstore? I am not interested in books. Lets get out of here.

I didnt want to turn around and have a look because I knew thats Geoffrey but I didnt know who was the lady? Instead of turning my gaze at them, I used my phone to snap a selfie on pretext.

Oh, thats the only child of Geoffs boss. That idiot has had been successful in capturing the ladys heart. I knew that he had his eyes on winning her heart, all for his own selfish motive and needs. Yet, it was still none of my business. I continued my queue at the counter.

Geoffs lady friend made quite a fuss and soon, both walked briskly out of the bookstore. I turned my body facing a different direction, hiding behind a fat man to avoid any eye contact with them. I gave a sigh of relief once they left the bookstore.

After checking out, I walked towards the food court. There and again, I saw Geoff and his lady friend queuing at a restaurant nearby.

The lady friend was fussing about having to queue. Geoff, tell them who am I? Why should I have to queue?

She snobbishly announced herself to be of higher status than everyone around her. What a bitch!?

Geoff was trying to calm her down helplessly. I sneered at his helplessness and stupidity.

I hastily walked away from this scene towards the food court. I walked to the Japanese food stall and ordered a bento of grilled salmon without rice plus a glass of Green Tea.

After paying for my order, the vendor gave me a self-service buzzer. With that, I walked to an empty table to wait for my order.

I sat down, put my laptop bag as well as my handbag next to me. Suddenly, someone was standing in front of me. I hastily looked up and saw a familiar face.

Its Jeremy. He grinned and said, I knew that you didnt have enough to eat during our dinner?

Stunned! Didnt he go home? Did he follow me?

Abruptly, I asked Did you follow me?

Jeremy chuckled at Rachels question,

Of course, I didnt follow you. Mom called me to buy dinner for her as dad was invited to a dinner tonight. As I came back, I saw you ordering food at the Japanese stall.

I smiled and responded, Oh, okay. I did eat quite a lot just now but when I saw the salmon, I couldnt resist myself. My self-explanatory sounded sort of an embarrassment to myself.

Before Rachel further utter any word, Jeremy quickly sat down in front of her.

Buzz! Buzz! The self-service buzzer indicated that Rachels order was ready for collection from the stall. Rachel reached for the buzzer but I was quicker than her. I took it and said, I would collect your order for you. Then, I walked towards the stall without waiting for Rachels response.

Rachel in awe,

Speechless! I continued to gaze at his back as he walked away. Suddenly, he turned around and winked at me.

This man! I felt like punching his cheeky face right now! I shot him a glare and a straight darkened face.

He chuckled as he turned to pacify his steps. I rolled my eyes and face-palm to indicate my disbelief of his silly reaction.

There and again, I could hear the same voices that I had heard earlier on in front of the restaurant. The voices were from a few tables behind me.

Luckily, there were tall potted plants behind me which easily concealed me from their sight.

I didnt even want to turn around to peek as Geoff has had nothing to do with me anymore.

Just at the same moment, Jeremy put down the tray of my food in front of me. He opened his mouth to speak, but I quickly put my finger to my lips to gesture Jeremy to be quiet.

Jeremy puzzled and confused,

Why was she gesturing me to be quiet? Then, Rachel gestured me to sit down quickly.

I did what she requested, and whispered, Whats wrong? Rachel continued to put her finger to her lips and pointed to a couple at a few table behind her. I take a quick glance and saw a couple speaking loudly.

The woman apparently looked upset and complaining about the food court. The man tried to calm her down, and argued that the food was equally delicious compared to restaurant.

Then, I turned and looked at Rachel. She seemed irritated and I thought that she couldnt stand the noises.

Thus, I suggested Is it too noisy? In that case, lets find another quiet table for our dinner.

However, Rachel shook her head and replied in a low tone, No. Just dont let them especially the man realised that I am here.

Rachel felt like smacking herself now,

Huh? Wait a minute! Why did I say that to Jeremy? My goodness! I am opening another page of my life to him unconsciously. What have I done again?

Jeremys curiosity started to build up,

Dont let the man realise that she was here? Why? Did Rachel know him? What were their relationship? I gazed at Rachel and at the man again.

Suddenly, I heard his name being mentioned by the nagging woman. Geoff! Lets go. I dont like this place!”

He must be Geoffrey! Rachels ex-boyfriend. My parents told me about him and how he hurt Rachel by cheating on her and using her to get more business deals with Rectitude Development.

No wonder Rachel wanted to avoid and ignored him.

Unconsciously, I reached out to pat Rachels hand and said in almost a whisper, No worry. I will be as quiet as a mouse. Just ignore them and eat your food now.

Minutes later, another buzzer vibrate. Time for Jeremy to collect his order.

Jeremy walked over to the stall to collect his order while I continued to munch my salmon and drink my tea.

He came back with his take-out, sat down and looked at me quietly. I didnt know what was on his mind and what sort of questions would he start to give me.

However, he didnt mentioned anything about the man instead he talked about himself. Even when he talked and I respond, it was either in low tone or whisper.

When we were almost done with our dinner, we both heard the couple talked about leaving the food court.

They soon left and we could see that the woman was nagging still, complaining about the place and food.

Jeremy and I exchanged our gaze, and uttered Snobbish! in unison. We are both startled at our own words and chuckled about it.

I wonder whether he know who Geoff was? Perhaps, Mr Aaron and Mrs Eljiah told him about Geoff.

Jeremy seemed to notice what I was thinking at that moment, he spoke Are you wondering how I know about Geoffrey?

Yes. Did your parents mention about him? I responded.

Jeremy smiled and replied, Indeed, they told me that he was your ex-boyfriend. The idiot whom hurt you by cheating on you and used you to get more business deals from Rectitude Development.

I felt ashamed of my past relationship, ashamed of my stupidity to be used by the shameless idiot, Geoff. I turned my head to look away due to my embarrassment.

Jeremy could see Rachels pain on her face after uttering those words,

Rachel looked away to hide her feelings. Oh dear, I opened up her wound. She was hurting again.

I hastily explained myself, I am sorry Rachel. I didnt mean to bring up a painful past of yours. I am truly sorry.

Rachel looked up at me and smile, No, no. It is not your fault. I have moved on with my life. I am well and fine without him. Then she paused before saying, “Thank God that I found out earlier before I gave my future to him as his wife. It was a blessing in disguise.

Rachel tried her best to hide her true feelings,

I smiled my brightest for Jeremy to see, though I could still feel the hurt but I have had survived for one year plus without this idiot in my life. I am grateful that he was no longer in my life.

Jeremy spoke again, Dont worry. I will never let him or any other man hurt you again. I will protect you.

Puzzled, I looked at him.

He noticed my look and quickly explain himself, You are my friend, arent you? There is nothing wrong for a friend to protect a friend, isnt it? I smiled and nodded in agreement.

Soon, both of them were walking out of the food court.

Jeremy asked, Where is the next outlet that you want to patronise? I can accompany you as I am free tonight.

Rachel halted her pace and answered while pointing to an outlet, I am thinking of that florist. But, would it be boring for you?

I dont have problem with flowers and plants. Lets go. I replied Rachel promptly.

We continued to walk towards the florist but out of sudden, Geoff and his lady friend walked out from an outlet in front of us. Both Rachel and I saw it.

She turned pale and I knew that she wanted to avoid him. I quickly pulled her to a pillar next to me, and covered her with my body. Since she was thin and of small size built, my body frame was enough to hide her from the idiot.

However, the couple was walking towards our direction and soon they would passed by us. The idiot would definitely see her if I didnt act fast.

Out of anxiousness, I pulled her into my embrace and pretended to kiss her. Due to my hasty action, my lips landed on hers. Rachel wanted to push herself away but I hold her tightly and murmured for her to stop. Rachel seemed to understand what I meant and stopped pushing me.

We both heard Geoff said, Wow! PDA.

The woman replied, Yeah, we can do that too. Whats so great about it?

They continued to walk further and further away from us.

When I felt that the course was clear, I released Rachel from my embrace and promptly explained myself, I am sorry, I didnt mean to take advantage of you. I was trying to hide you with my body.

Rachel was totally stunned by Jeremys action.

Jeremy continued to explain, I was too fast that my lips touched yours. I didnt try to kiss. Please believe me. I am truly sorry. Jeremy keep apologising.

I responded hastily. Dont worry. I understood. You meant well to help me. Thank you very much.

Then, I quickly walked away. I told myself, Of course, Jeremy will not kiss me. Who am I? I am a ‘nobody. I am only his employee and his friend. Nothing else!

Stop it! Rachel. Blush off that stupid thought of yours. If you ever have the slightest feelings for him, flush it in the toilet.

Never even give it a thought.

Jeremy was anxious, not knowing what Rachel was thinking of him.

Rachel became quiet after my silly action. I knew that she was feeling uneasy. I promptly asked, Rachel, are you alright? Are you angry with me?

Rachel in self-thought,

Of course, I am not angry with him. He had helped me. I just felt silly for having a different thought moments ago.

I hastily replied, No, I am not angry. Dont worry. Lets go to the florist now.

Once I saw the beautiful fresh flowers, my heart melts. All embarrassing thoughts from the surprise kiss were all gone.

I have forgotten my silliness and of the encounter with Geoff. I began to pick a few stalks of yellow roses and requested the shop assistant to wrap the roses up.

Next, I continued to mesmerise in other flowers such as African Violets, cacti and succulents. I have always wanted to plant them but I dont have the space to do so in my tiny room.

Most of all, there wasnt enough sunlight for them to grow healthily. I could only enjoy looking at them in a florist.

Jeremy enjoyed looking at Rachel in her excitement,

I followed Rachel around as she enjoyed the flowers with excitement. Indeed, she was a lover of flowers and plants.

I saw her picking a few stalks of roses and I walked to the shop assistant to inform that I would be paying for the roses later as the roses were being wrapped.

Then, I continued to follow Rachel and noticed that she looked at the plants in awe. I walked near her and asked, Rachel, why dont you buy those plants that you like?

She replied abruptly without turning towards me, Nah. I could only enjoy looking at them. My room has no extra space, besides there wasnt enough sunlight.

I understood her meaning. In future, I would find her an apartment where she could plant the flowers and plants that she loved.

I continued to ask her about the type of plants she loved. Out of sudden, she was becoming chatty and told me everything she knew about the plants she loved.

Surprised was I. She told me that she loved African Violets, cacti and succulents. She even told me how to plant them, and even how to let the plants generate more baby plants.

The more she explained, the more I became excited. It triggered my interest in these plants as well.

After some time, Rachel glanced at her phone and exclaimed, Oh, it is almost 9:00pm. I really need to go home now.

I simply replied faintly, okay. I walked briskly to the cashier counter to pay for her roses.

She came up to me and said, No, no. I will pay for it.

I turned and looked at her, It is my gift for your good performance at work.

Rachel was speechless!

The shop assistant passed me the wrapper with the roses but I noticed that there seemed to be more flowers than what I picked.

I looked at the shop assistant and she smiled.

Jeremy grabbed my hand and said, Lets go.

We walked out of the shop and I could hear whispers from the shop assistant and cashier, saying She is so lucky. The man is handsome, rich and a gentlemen. Oh! How I wish I have such a boyfriend.

Huh? I wanted to go back and explained but Jeremy continued to lead me away.

I told myself, this sort of relationship will never happen between Jeremy and I. He is my employer and I am his employee. We were and are colleagues. At the most, we might become close friends. Thats it! Nothing else!

Jeremys car moved out of the parking lot into the main road. We didnt speak much after walking out of the florist.

I realised that I havent thanked Jeremy for the flowers, thus I spoke, Thank you for the flowers. By the way, did you add on roses to my purchase?

Jeremy focused on his driving and replied, Yes, yellow roses brings cheery and joy. It represents wisdom and joy, and most suitable for friendship. You picked three stalks but I added nine more stalks. The total stalks are twelve. In fact, three stalks and twelve stalks have the same expression. Go and google about it.

Three stalks and twelve stalks? Why couldnt he tell me?

I took my phone out from my handbag and googled. ‘Three and twelve express love

Stunned! I quickly closed the screen and put my phone back into my handbag. I told myself that the twelve roses symbolised friendship, and represented wisdom and joy.

Nothing else! Jeremy would never have anything on love with a ‘nobody’ like me. Blush it off, Rachel!

Jeremy parked his car as usual in a parking lot within Ville Residence.

Then I walked Rachel back to her unit like what I had been doing for the past few weeks.

Rachel had been quiet all the way after browsing her phone. I knew that she was searching for the meaning of the number of roses. I knew that she quickly closed the screen of her phone after she found the answer.

Clearly, she was trying to ignore the word love.

Soon the lift door opened to Level 18, and Jeremy continued to walk me to my apartment.

Once we arrived at the unit, I broke the silence, Jeremy, thank you very much for the roses. I appreciate it.

He gazed into my eyes, and I tried to look away to avoid his eye contact. He replied, I am glad that you love it. Dont forget about our team dinner tomorrow. I have booked the restaurant.

I smiled and nodded in agreement. He left after I went into my unit. I could hear his footsteps as soon as I locked the main door from inside.

Ashley wasnt back yet. I unlocked the door to my room, put my bags on my desk and took my one and only vase which I put on my side table.

I poured some drinking water into the vase and arranged the twelve stalks of roses in it. I put the vase properly back onto the side table.

Feeling satisfied, I took my towel, clean set of casual wear and my pail of toiletries and walked to the common washroom which was outside my room.

As I entered my room, I could hear Ashleys voice while she opened the main door. I hastily locked my door because I knew that her boyfriend was with her.

Feel relaxed after my shower, I took out my laptop from my backpack and sat on my bed.

I pondered, even though my vacation had been postponed, I still wanted to plan it. Where should I go for my vacation?

As I browsed through the web, there were lots of recommendations for places in East Malaysia. Strangely, I have not been back to my hometown after I came to Kuala Lumpur years ago.

Partly, because granny had passed on during my final year in secondary school, and right after my public examination result was released. There was no one left for me to go back to.

Oh sadness crept into my heart again whenever I remembered how neighbourhood kids and classmates bullied me. They would constantly called me, Useless girl, your parents dont even want you in their lives!

Only granny loved me. I knew that granny was leaving me because she had not been feeling well for six months before she passed on.

I learned to be strong, and she continued to encourage and motivated me to do well in the public examination for a brighter future.

I never regretted listening to her and here I am, independent and earning my own income. My parents, the thorn in my heart was unbearable. Enough! I am not going to think about them.

Kuala Lumpur was the only place I travelled at far. I never travelled elsewhere beside the work trips arranged by Rectitude Development to Johor Bahru, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Langkawi.

This time is different! Its my vacation, I wanted it to be memorable. Where should I go? Even though I might have to wait but at least, I have a vacation plan.

It was the same beautiful field of wild flowers. Oh, it was mesmerising. It looked like it was situated on a top of a hill. There was a village nearby. There were farmers who came back from their farm; and fishermen who came back from a nearby beach with baskets of fishes. I could see and sense how joyful the people are.

I woke up from the beautiful dream. Oh, if only I could go to this beautiful place! If it exists, Why not?