Chapter 19: Facing the Disciplinary Committee - Part 1

"Do you want to talk about it?" Bryce asked and Angela shook her head.

How could she talk about the painful memory of her childhood? It was her 13th birthday and her parents were murdered in her presence. The Anderson adopted her and changed her date of birth to her adoption date but maintained the year.

"It's okay," Bryce said and rubbed Angela's back gently as he tried to calm her.

He wondered what could have scared her so much to the extent of breaking her down this way. Yes, some nightmares could be scary but her reaction feels more like she lived a reality in her dream.

"Get some rest," Bryce said and tucked her into bed when she was much calmer.

"Please don't leave me," Angela begged when Bryce turned to leave.

Bryce stopped in his steps. Angela's voice travelled to his eyes one more time as she pleaded with him not to leave. She sounded so scared.

"Okay," he replied and decided to continue whatever he was doing in the office the following day.

The room he had given to Angela was his room anyway. He went into the closet and returned in a sleepwear. Using the other end of the bed, he climbed into bed and Angela drew closer to him and hugged him like her life depended on it. Bryce was still wondering what could have scared her so much but wrapped his arms around her protectively. She was trembling but eventually, she slept off. This was the first time they had slept together on the same bed since they got married and she moved into the house.

The next morning, Angela woke up alone. Bryce had already left the room. She quickly got ready for work. She knew she was going to face the disciplinary committee and they would decide her fate. She had not had the chance to fixed her phone. She decided to pray to God. Her stepmom believes in God. She knelt by her bed and put her hands together. She had never prayed before and didn't know what to say but recalling what Mrs Anderson said concerning what prayer was like, she tried to give it a shot.

"God, I know this is my first time coming to you. I know I messed up at work, but please don't let them fire me, Amen," Angela prayed and recalled back in school days that someone told her when you make God a promise, it compels him to answer your prayer.

Angela cleared her throat, closed her eyes again and thought of something to promise God.

"Please help me keep my job and I promise I will not let my anger get the better of me again," Angela said but quickly realized that based on circumstances that might be difficult to do. "Not that one. I promise..............." she said and racked her brain for something to say.

"I promise I will go to church every Sunday," Angela said, satisfied with the promise she made. "Amen," she added.

She stood up and finished dressing up. She came down the staircase and was surprised to find Bryce waiting in the small space close to the exit door.

"How are you?" Bryce asked.

"I am fine," Angela replied and lowered her head briefly before raising her head again. "I am sorry about my behaviour yesterday. I now understand what you were trying to teach me. If today happens to be my last day based on the outcome of the meeting. I want to let you know I am grateful for what I had the opportunity to learn under your leadership," she added.

"Angela, you are very smart and talented. You have great potential and have a great future ahead of you," Bryce said and paused. "Whether or not, that greatness will materialize, it depends on," he added and paused again. "Control your emotions and do not yield to them at every given opportunity," he said and left without waiting for Angela to acknowledge.

Angela went to see Josephine to help her request an Uber.

"Sir, asked me to give you this," Josephine said and handed a bag to Angela.

"Me?" Angela asked as she accepted the bag from Joesphine's hand.

Josephine left to continue with her duties while Angela looked inside the bag. It was a new phone. She was surprised. She smiled and opened it. She loved it.

"Ma'am, your Uber is in," Josephine informed Angela and she thanked her before leaving the kitchen.

Angela arrived at the office and completed her morning duties getting Bryce's coffee her him. The disciplinary committee was scheduled to sit on her case at 9 a.m. Angela sat in her office and got some work done. Once the time was close, she left her office for the next floor where the meeting would take place. Angela sat in the waiting area waiting to be called.

The door opened and Angela knew that was it. She stood up ready to face the team and hear what they had to say but was surprised to see Eva exiting the room with a broad smile plastered on her face. Angela stared at her back as she walked away.

"Come with me," Angela heard a man's voice say to her drawing her attention to the man.

Angela entered the room. The seating arrangement was just like the time she had walked in for the interview. There were four men in total and one of them was Bernard. Angela's gaze fell on him and he looked at her like he didn't know her.

"Have a seat, Angela," came the voice of one of the men and Angela sat on the seat provided her in the front of the panel.

"We have heard, Eva's side of the story and we want to hear your side of the story too before we pass judgment," said one of the men.

Angela narrated the whole incident in the elevator exactly how it happened. She ended her submission with an apology.

"Angela, we have heard what happened from both of you. From the submission made by both of you. This is our judgement," said one of the men and he turned to Bernard.

"Unfortunately, the evidence speaks against you Angela. You have also agreed that you gave in to the fight except you said it was in self-defence. Fighting in the company is prohibited. Eva has an alibi, unfortunately, you don't. This may be your last day in the company. We will let you know by email, what has been decided," Bernard said with a straight face. "Do you understand?" he asked.

"Yes please," Angela replied.

"That will be all Angela," Bernard said. "You are free to go," he added.

"Thank you," Angela said, stood up and exited the room.

Angela returned to her office to continue with her work. Bryce went for a meeting outside the office but she couldn't go with him because the committee meeting time clashed with the meeting time.

Back in Susan and Eva's office, they rejoice knowing very well Angela's contract will be terminated.