Little Rose – Chapter 5 – Working with Keith

I started my work studiously after having the serious talk with father. Keith was not in for most of the time and I got a better glimpse of Keith’s office. He was a very neat and a meticulous person. He had arranged his files in alphabetic order and no documents were to be left opened on his table. This was the instruction I got from the receptionist, Kim during my briefing. Every document has to be passed to her in a sealed envelope and she will keep it in the metal cabinet behind her. Only Keith and she had the password to the metal cabinet. That was the strict order from Keith and all the staff obeyed and respects his command.

I was into the forth month of working with Keith. One day while I was typing and sorting some important documents for Keith, Bob popped into Keith office. Keith was at his desk, with his nose deeply buried in the project he was working on. Upon seeing me, Bob knocked the glass partition to get my attention. I looked up and he gave me a cheeky grin and waved his hand at me. I sat at my table, giving him a bewildered look. I noticed Keith was staring at me and observing my reaction. I quickly turn my face away and started typing out the document. The next thing I knew, Keith got up and drew the blinds down, totally blocking my view of his room and of Bob. I let a sigh of relief for both of then really unsettle me and makes me very uncomfortable. I was printing the final draft of the document when the blinds started moving slowly again. It was Kim and she waved at me and I smiled back at her. Keith and Bob was nowhere to be seen. I presumed they must have left the office after a brief meeting as it was almost five now.

As it was my habit to leave the office on dot at five, I quickly scanned the document again, put it into an envelope, sealed it and walked over to Kim’s desk and passed her the document to be kept in the metal cabinet. She looked surprised, seeing my handbag in my other hand. I told her it was five and I was knocking off. She nodded her head and asked me jokingly if the driver will be offended if I was late. I shook my head and smile at her and said, “Mr. Brown is a nice and a warm hearted man.” With this, I said my good bye and left the office. I smile at myself, remembering my conversation with father, regarding Mr. Brown dropping and picking me up from work. Father got his final say. Mr. Brown was assigned as my “personal bodyguard” to send me to work and to pick me up at five unless I called back to say I was going to be late. Well, no one could win an argument with father and I simply give in to father.

Bob saw me leaving the office, without me knowing it. Both of them were at their secret meeting room. “Keith, she is leaving in that black car again. I got all the information about her from Mike.” Bob pause and looked angrily at Keith and said, “of course from Angela too. Angela is having a dinner date with her this coming weekend. Mike has written a report on her family background. There are some photographs too with her old man and with the white Labrador. She got an interesting family background.” Keith was reading the written report by Mike. After reading the report, Keith glanced at the photographs taken by Mike. “Did you read the report Bob?” Keith asked. Bob nodded his head and went over to sit on the sofa opposite Keith. “Interesting family, Bob said. Father is an eccentric and a well-known plastic surgeon who left his profession after his wife passed away. He led a secluded and a lonely life with his children away from the society. The son is also an eccentric like his father. I read he is a cardiologist, residing in London, with his wife and children.”

Suddenly Bob started laughing loudly and Keith looked surprisingly at Bob. “Why are you laughing?” Keith asked. “Did I miss out something?” Bob shook his head and became quite serious. “Angela said the old man is very protective of his daughter and is often seen at the café with his daughter, together with their white Labrador. Father and daughter have a very loving relationship. Angela told me the old man moved from an old rustic town to New York a few years ago, while the daughter was studying and staying with her brother in London. Miss Watsons moved back to New York after being away for more than five years, claiming to miss home and her dad. Angela also states that Miss Watsons did mention missing London life and her niece and nephew. That fellow who drives her is her father chauffeur and it is strictly under the instruction from her old man. Keith, I think the whole family is eccentric but I don’t see any trait in her,” Bob said.

Keith was silently listening to every words being said by Bob. “Bob”, Keith said after a couple of seconds. She is weird too. She leaves the office on dot at five o’clock. No doubt she is efficient and a fast learner. She also keeps to her promise of not to upset or make me angry. Most of the times, I don’t even know if she is in the office or that she has left the office until Kim comes in and inform me. I have been secretly observing her. She moves around and picks things in her office with so much of precaution. She is always tense and alert of her surroundings around her as if she is afraid a slightest noise or commotion may bring about my outburst of anger. Furthermore she is so good at avoiding me at all cost as if she is playing hide and seek game with me.” Keith was silent and in deep thoughts. After a while Keith said, “Bob, Rose had played this type of tricks with me, when I was very serious about courting her. I remembered bringing you along and sitting at the old café, ordering coffee and watching Rose throughout her shift or looking out for her, when she secretly leaves the café.” There was a faraway look in Keith’s eyes and a loving smile on his face. Subconsciously Keith raised his left hand and started caressing his upper right chest.

Bob sat completely still, watching Keith and the open display of both sad and fond emotions on Keith’s face. This was the second time Keith had related an incident, involving Rose. Bob was wordless for a moment. He had never seen this side of Keith after the tragic death of Rose. Keith had kept numb about his feelings for Rose and had refused to talk about her for the past six years. Both sat silently, deep in their own thoughts. Suddenly Bob startled Keith by asking, “Keith, are you going to allow her to work for you? She is with you for four months already. Are you planning any outburst of anger to frighten her and start throwing things around just to infuriate and bug that old man of yours?” Bob started laughing loudly the moment these words were out from his mouth. “Oh! Brother, I love that game you are playing on your old man, just to see his reaction and putting him on his guard.”

Keith was so furious with Bob and threw the cushion at Bob’s face. “Shut up Bob, Keith said.” Bob hugged the cushion to his chest and exclaimed, “I am hurt Keith. Don’t forget I am your partner in crime and started to chuckle again.” Keith got up from the sofa and walked over to the fridge and poured two glasses of water. “Bob,” Keith said over his shoulder. “There is something in her that brings out my protective nature. I somehow feel calm and composed in her presence. I may as well allow her to continue to work for me.” Walking over to Bob, Keith handed one glass of water to Bob. “Keith, Bob said in a serious voice “are you taking an interest in Miss Watsons? Are you prepared to say a final good bye to Rose?” Keith was silent for a moment. Looking at Bob he said, “No brother. I am not ready for anyone to take over Rose’s place for she is deeply embedded in my heart. My heart remembers Rose and every thing I had done with her. I am not prepared to say good-bye to Rose. She was my sunshine and someone who I can touch, kiss, and hold. Rose was my true love and she is in every part of my body.

Bob was lost for words. He was staring at Keith with such bewilderment in his eyes. Finally Bob said, “Keith, this is the second time you have mention Rose. You have bottled up your emotions for the past six years. It’s a good sign that you are opening up and I am happy for you brother. I strongly think Miss Watsons is having that effect on you.” Keith shook his head and said, “Bob, my heart tells me that I know her from somewhere. I have heard her talking to her old man on her hand phone. It’s her voice and her eyes. They remind me so much of Rose. Rose has a kind of gentle mannerism in her. Miss Watsons portrayed that gentle mannerism when she is talking to her father and when she is not on her guard. I may be wrong in my judgment.” Bob was quietly observing Keith walking to and fro. In frustration Bob finally said, “Stop walking.” “The carpet will be threadbare by the time you leave this room.”

Keith grins cheekily at Bob and said, “Angela is having a bad influence on you. Go for a date with someone else and “get your waffles with milk.” Bob started laughing heartily. These words were secret coded words between Keith and Bob. Both of them had used this term on each other during their college and university days for it was associated more with promiscuous sexual connotation. Bob could not stop laughing and his eyes were tearing. “Oh! Keith. Welcome back brother. It had been a long time since I heard these words from your mouth. You never had taken notice of me for these past six years. Staying with you had literally made me a hermit who had been forced to abstained from sex and started laughing again.” Finally Bob got up from the sofa and pat Keith on his back. “Keith, Bob said, “I have missed this side of yours and never thought I would see this side of yours again. Welcome back, brother” and “Keith, I love you.” Bob started laughing on seeing Keith cringing his shoulders with a disgust look on his face. Both left the room, with Keith pushing Bob away as Bob tried to hug him and Bob’s laughter echoing loudly in the corridor at Keith’s reaction.

Angela had a date with Daffodil tonight. She was looking forward to building her friendship with Daffodil. She was dying to get closer to Daffodil for Daffodil reminded her so much of Rose. Angela had always tried to talk to Daffodil in order to know her better but Professor Watsons had always been very protective of his daughter. With her father around her, Daffodil has been reserved although she was always friendly. Furthermore, it was always very hard to get Daffodil alone. Daffodil was either occupied with her father whenever she was at the café or busy playing and loving her dog, Barry.

It was Daffodil’s eyes and voice, which attracted and caught Angela’s attention when Daffodil visited the café with her father. When Angela first heard Daffodil’s voice, she felt as if it Rose who was talking to her. But the face that was looking at Angela was a face of a beautiful stranger, who had similar voice and eyes to Rose. Angela had hid her surprise from both father and daughter and asked a safe question of where they were from. Apparently, the beautiful stranger has a loving father and a brother who resides in London. This stranger was from a rustic old town and had studied and stayed in London for the past five years. Apart from this, both father and daughter did not reveal much information about themselves. Angela also noticed that Professor Watsons was always looking lovingly at his daughter and get protective if Daffodil was asked any personal question. On top of this was Professor Watsons’s chauffer, Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown was always a few distant away if and when Daffodil was alone at the café. Thus Angela came up with the idea of having a dinner date with Daffodil. As usual, being a loving daughter, Daffodil has looked at her father as if asking her father for permission. Angela was surprised when Daffodil was quick to say yes for their date and Professor Watsons had a big smile on his face that day.

When Bob visited her (Angela) a few weeks ago, asking more information about Daffodil, Angela had hid her bewilderment from Bob. She in returned had asked Bob as to why he was interested in Daffodil. Angela had pretended to be angry with Bob until Bob had to reveal the reasons as to why he was interested. Bob had told Angela that Daffodil was working in their firm and was Keith’s secretary. Bob further said that Keith wanted some information regarding Daffodil since Daffodil was a regular customer at her café. Angela revealed whatever little information she knew about Professor Watsons and Daffodil and also about her upcoming date with Daffodil. Bob has extracted a promise from Angela to update him regarding her date with Daffodil.

Even though Angela had nodded her head, she was worried for Daffodil. In Angela’s eyes, Daffodil was a gentle lamb that would bring no harm to anyone. Angela had felt a strange and protective feeling for Daffodil for unknown reasons. Angela was surprised regarding her feelings towards Daffodil. It was may be because of Daffodil’s eyes and mannerism that reminder Angela about Rose and that’s why she gave Daffodil a hug, which surprised Daffodil so much that she left the café in a hurry with an unusual look on her face.

Angela knowing that Keith had difficulty in controlling his outburst of anger when slightest things trigger him was worried for Daffodil. She quickly removed her working uniform, showered and left the house to meet Daffodil at the restaurant. They had chosen to have salad and sandwiches at the famous Falafel Sandwich restaurant. When Angela reached the restaurant, she was surprised to see Mr. Brown waiting in the car. Daffodil was nowhere to be seen. Upon seeing Angela, Mr. Brown pointed inside the restaurant. Angela let a sigh of relief and pushed open the door of the restaurant. Daffodil upon seeing Angela waved to her Angela and gesture her to hurry up. Angela was very happy for Daffodil was alone, as she wanted to get close to Daffodil.

After ordering their order, Angela was surprised for Daffodil has ordered more on the vegan side and less of meat. Daffodil informed Angela that she was not really a meat lover and never like the taste of meat due to some unpleasant incident in the past. Even though Daffodil was friendly, she was reserved in her manner. Angela upon seeing Daffodil feeling uneasy said the first thing that came to her mind, “Hey! I heard from one of my regular customer, that you are working in their firm.” Daffodil was surprised but quickly covers her nervousness by tucking her hair behind her ears and gave Angela a lopsided smile. There was a silent and finally Daffodil said, “Yes. You remember the guy who collided with me at your café? He is one of my bosses but I work for the other Mr. O’Heir.” “Oh! I forgot, Daffodil said covering her mouth with both her hands. Both are O’Heirs’. Keith O’Heir. Keith O’Heir is my boss,” Daffodil said with a smile, which did not reach her eyes.

Angela was quick to apologize and said, “Look Daffodil, I am sorry. I don’t mean to upset you or be inquisitive. The other one is my boss.” Seeing the puzzle look on Daffodil’s face, Angela quickly said, “Bob O’Heir owes the café and I am just running and managing the café for him. Daffodil nodded her head and asked Angela how long has she been working for Bob O’Heir? Although Daffodil was stunned, she hides it well and asked her questions casually. Angela informed Daffodil that she has been working with Bob for the last four years plus. They (Both Keith and Bob) had only visited the café once a year all these years and came back recently to America to look after their American branch. She further revealed that the bosses had stayed in France for the last six years. Casually Daffodil asked if the bosses stayed in France because they were educated there or is France their second home. Angela shook her and said, “that boss of yours, Keith he was very sick and was sent to France for treatment and his “shadow” went along with him.” When Daffodil heard the word “shadow” she asked Angela is she meant “Bob O’Heir” and Angela nodded her head.

Their ordered arrived and both girls hungrily devoured their food and said simultaneously “I am hungry”, to which both girls started laughing like old times. In between her bites, Daffodil asked Angela, “Angela, you said my boss was very sick. Is that why he had this terrible temper of his?” Angela was surprised. Daffodil told Angela about her first day at work and what had transpired in the office. She further informed Angela how Keith had threatened to fire her if she (Daffodil) upset or anger him or trigger him. On hearing this, Angela burst out laughing loudly. “Daffodil, don’t mind him. His bark is worse than his bite. I wouldn’t be scared if I were you.” Daffodil smile at Angela and said, “It’s easy for you to say for he is your friend but he is my boss and I can’t afford to offend or anger him or else I will be out of job. And my father will be the most happiest to send me back to London and smiled cheekily at Angela.” “Angela, you know I am so careful in the office and as quiet as a church mouse. I avoid him at all times unless I am wanted in his office “You know, Daffodil said with mischief in her eyes, “He doesn’t want to see me and I don’t want to see him too. So the best thing is to leave the office unnoticed and quietly. I mean on dot, at five in the evening and chuckled.

Angela was dumbfounded. She was looking at Daffodil with such an intense stare. Angela remembered Rose playing this type of game with Keith. Angela had warned Rose that Keith was a rich playboy and it was in Rose’s best interest not to catch Keith’s interest. But God had intended for the two of them to meet and fall in love deeply. Now this beautiful stranger sitting in front of her (Angela) was playing the same game with Keith. She was so much like Rose in mannerism, in her way of eating, gesturing and lifting her hands while talking and also the mischief in her eyes. What troubled Angela the most was Daffodil’s eyes and voice. For once Angela thought she was talking to the eighteen years Rose and there were tears in Angela’s eyes.

Daffodil put her head down for she was in deep thought too. She was very worried that she may have revealed too much of her old-self to Angela. She missed the tears in Angela eyes and the faint snuffle. Seeing Daffodil in deep thoughts, Angela asked Daffodil if something was bothering her (Daffodil). Daffodil shook her head and saw Mr. Brown entering the café. Angela saw the surprised look on Daffodil and turned her head to see where Daffodil was looking. After a quiet pause, Daffodil said, “Angela, I really enjoyed the dinner date with you, I did not realize that it past ten already. Time really fly and my dear we have to say a good bye. Do you want me to drop you off at your place?” Since Angela wanted to spend more time with Daffodil, she eagerly nods her head. Mr. Brown approached Daffodil’s table and said in his usual serious tone. “Sir is asking about you and worried about you. I have settled the bill and “Shall we go, Miss Daffodil?”

Oh! Mr. Brown, said Daffodil in her usual happy voice. Don’t be serious. It’s TGIF. I really don’t understand where did father find you. All right let’s go and Mr. Brown, we need to drop Angela at her place.” “Yes. Miss Daffodil. It’s not safe for a young woman to travel alone at this time of the night,” said Mr. Brown. After stepping aside, both ladies walked out the restaurant, followed by Mr. Brown. Surprisingly the car was right in front of the restaurant glass door. Angela and Daffodil both sat in the car and Mr. Brown drove off when Angela had given him her address.

As Daffodil still wanted to know more about Angela, she asked Angela if Angela got her own place or was it a rental place. Angela was quiet for a while and said, “Daffodil, I bought the unit. In fact the current place is about four blocks away from my old working place. After my friend died in a tragic death, I stopped working in the old café and moved to this place. I could not continue working in the old working place for it reminded me so much of my friend and her presence. I gave up the rental room, which I was sharing with my friend. I did not know that my young friend had saved her money under her bed in a hidden hole. She was a college student and saving money for her university entrance. I only found out about the hidden hole when I was moving and packing her things in the boxes and saw the money. God bless her soul. It was lots of money and just nice for the first down payment to buy a two rooms unit flat. Of course, I topped up from my own cash too but the pretty lot came from my friend’s saving. Angela was very silent and I was badly shaken.

I had totally forgotten about the money I used to save under my bed. In fact I had accidently found the hole in the wooden bed and started putting my salary in it. I slowly realized that the amount was enough to pay the first two years fees for the university. There were tears in my eyes. Mr. Brown’s voice brought me back to her senses. “Young lady, said Mr. Brown. Is this your placement?” Angela quickly alighted from the car after giving me a quick farewell hug. Mr. Brown waited until Angela has entered her house before driving off.

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