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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 33
Christmas that year was a magical experience, the family had held back, at Jolly and Jacqueline's insistence, but no one was going to stop them once they were at the Christmas House in Lanzarote.
They were all eager, not just to meet the new children, but to welcome them officially into the wider family, and in true Thorn family tradition, they certainly did.
But Christmas and New year had been overshadowed by a part of the the Montclair family being incomplete.
Juan had not felt he wanted to attend.
It wasn't just Juan, Junior, Gabby and Berto had expressed a wish to not be seen as sympathy cases any longer, and they knew, if they attended, that's what would have been expressed by the wider family.
It saddened the whole family, and over the weeks following New Year, most of them made a special trip to Montclair, to visit Juan and the children.
It dawned on Juan by late January what they were doing.
They weren't sure if he and the children were coping, so they were coming to see for themselves.
It reinforced his love of the family, you could try to annex yourself but they wouldn't let you, it was important for them to know you were okay, and he made a resolution, to do what Pierre would have wanted, to get back to as much of a normal routine as he and the children could possibly do.
He'd spoken about his decision with the children, telling them, before Easter, they would travel, as a family, to the US, and Torremolinas, returning visits to the family who had been concerned enough to visit them after Christmas.
For Jermain and Leticia it had been an unbelievable year, from the unacceptable black orphans, they'd become the must have friends to a large number of their schoolmates, of course there would always be the ones who saw them as something they didn't want to know about, but that was nothing new to them.
The same had happened to Luke and Liam, they'd tried so hard in the past to get on the football team, now they were almost being begged to be involved, it was like a dream come true.
At home is where the biggest change to their lives was apparent.
They now came home to family, parents who genuinely loved them, were devoted to their wellbeing, who had unwittingly reduced them to tears as soon as their adoptions were completed.
Returning from the court, there had been a family party in Barrington Hills.
It had been a Friday.
The children had been woken on Saturday morning by their respective new parents announcing it was a shopping day.
With their cousins in tow, they been pushed to buy everything a child should have in their parents eyes, tv's, computers, laptops, music systems, and clothes galore.
All of that had overawed them, but learning about their monthly allowances had finally proved too much, the same scenario played out in both Barrington Hills apartments, Jermain and Tish were being comforted by Jo and David.
A tearful Liam and Luke were similarly being comforted by Will and Tame.
Fortunately for all four, they had Ary, Bobby, and most importantly Dillon to guide them.
Dillon was a first year pupil, but he was always going to be years ahead of his fellow pupils, a real force to be reckoned with.
Jermain could mostly look after himself, as could Luke and Liam, but Leticia, or Tish as she preferred, was shy, quiet, a perfect target for bullies.
As their classes ended one Friday afternoon, all of the cousins were destined, as usual, to meet up in the corridor outside Dillon's classroom, he was a first year pupil and usually last to finish, Tish was a year older than Dillon and normally the first one there, but on that particular afternoon, she was surprised, then frightened, to find herself surrounded by a mixed group of around six, senior boys and girls.
They started pushing her back and forth, calling her ghetto trash, amongst other nasty things.
Tish was crying as Dillon exited his classroom, and that unfortunately was the bullies downfall.
Dillon didn't hesitate, he waded in, fists flailing, bursting the nose of the bully who seemed to be leading them, setting him firmly on his back, two other boys received black eyes, and were laid on their backs before he faced off with the remaining girls.
As Ary, Bobby, Jermain, Luke and Liam rounded the corner they witnessed Dillon using his foot to wipe one of the girls feet out from under her, she went down with a resounding plop onto her butt, they took in the bodies groaning on the floor
Dillon was angry as he faced the remaining girls.
"Just because you're girls don't think that will protect you, if you're tough enough to bully a younger girl, my cousin, then you're tough enough for me to put you on your backs, if I see you anywhere near Tish again I promise, you'll wish you'd never been born, make sure your stupid pals hear what I've said".
Ary and Bobby quickly took charge, calming Dillon down, preventing him from laying out the remaining bullies.
As they entered the main house that afternoon, Shelby was waiting for them, or more to the point, she was waiting for Dillon, with arms crossed.
"You young man have some explaining to do, I've just taken a call from an irate parent who has a son with a broken nose, would you care to explain why you broke his nose?".
Dillon stood defiantly silent, arms crossed, mirroring Shelby's stance, so Ary answered Shelby.
"He was defending Tish, she was being bullied by six seniors, they got exactly what they deserved, and they're lucky Dillon found them before we did, otherwise there would have been a few more broken bones, he didn't do anything wrong Shel".
Shelby was still not having it, fighting was wrong, she couldn't condone it, and she made that obvious to Ary in her reply.
"Well I'm grounding him, fighting is wrong, Dillon, go to your room and stays there until your Momma and Poppa come home, for the rest of you there will be milk and cookies in the breakfast room in about ten minutes".
Ary's reply surprised Shelby.
"Not for me, if Dillon's confined to his room, that's where I'll be as well".
As if on cue, the other's echoed Ary's reply, then they all marched off to Dillon's room.
Once in his room Dillon was furious, but, at the same time, he didn't agree with everyone sharing his punishment.
"You guys should go get your milk and cookies, you don't have to be up here with me, you're not grounded".
Jermain answered him.
"You were defending my sister, and probably saved those idiots from being ripped limb from limb, if I'd come across them first I'd be in a whole heap of trouble now, in my book you're a hero, if you're grounded, then I'm grounded as well, Ary called it right, if you'd been in the wrong okay, we would accept you being grounded, but you weren't, you were right to do what you did, so it looks like you're stuck with me, with us, until you're not grounded".
Dillon was beaming now, Jermain thought he'd been right, that was a mega plus, he thought Jermain was so cool.
When Mel and Jace arrived home, they knew instinctively, something was wrong, the main house was quiet.
The children were always in the main lounge, often with Jolly, doing their homework, or in the hallway, waiting for their parents to get in from work before they each went off to their respective homes to get ready for dinner.
Jolly, Jay and Billy were away visiting Van and Reece at Gregous, so the house was ominously quiet.
Shelby met them in the main lounge within a few minutes of their arrival.
"I have a bit of a problem, Dillon was fighting at school today so I grounded him, but now they're all up in arms, they've taken up residence in Dillon's room supporting him, none of them would have their afternoon snack, and they're refusing to leave until Dillon is ungrounded".
Shelby sounded completely defeated.
Will, Tame, Jo and David arrived in time to hear Shelby explaining the problem.
Jace couldn't help it, he giggled, and pretty soon they were all laughing, all except Shelby, who said.
"I'm so pleased you find it funny, but then, you spend your days with adults, I'm just a stupid nanny who looks after children, well that was what I did, until now, tomorrow I'll be an ex nanny, looking for new employment, good luck, goodbye".
Then she turned about and walked out of the front door slamming it behind her, shocking them all into silence.
"Mel was the first to speak.
"Oh shit, that didn't go too well, I suppose we ought to storm the rebel stronghold and see what this is all about".
All six adults went next door to Jace and Mel's house.
At Dillon's room they found seven children, plus the gremlins who were being entertained by the older children whilst the nannies on duty had a well deserved rest.
Jace beckoned Dillon to join him next door in Ary's room.
Ary and Bobby made to follow him but Jace raised his hand, saying.
"Just Dillon guys, right now all I want is an explanation, we'll maybe have an inquest later, you can have your say then.
Ary and Bobby were clearly not happy but they trusted their Poppa to listen to Dillon, the trouble was, could they trust Dillon not to explode and upset their Poppa.
In Ary's room Jace sat on the bed, Dillon sat beside him saying nothing, so Jace had to prompt him.
"Okay, I came into this fiasco rather blind, so how about you tell me what happened, and please, drop the attitude, it's me, your Poppa, I think you can trust me".
Dillon was almost in tears as he explained what had happened.
Jace pulled him into a hug.
"Okay son, calm down, I get it, I don't think you did anything wrong where the bullies were concerned, but there is something you, your brothers, and your cousins did wrong, you were extremely rude to Shelby, she was upset".
Dillon tried to object but Jace cut him off.
"This is a conversation for all of you, come on let's go back next door".
When they rejoined the others Jace had the nannies take the younger children back to the nursery for their dinner, then he addressed his sons and their cousins.
"Okay, I'm talking to all of you, I understand what Dillon did at school and why, I really don't have a problem with that, I'll admit, I would have done the same, or possibly worse, I'll promise to deal with any flack on that point, but there is something else, you all were very disrespectful to Shelby, now that is a problem, because Shelby has walked out".
There was a shocked surprise on every face before Jace went on.
"But, in your defence, because we're your parents, and because we should be totally honest if we expect you to follow by our example, although you behaved badly, we probably caused that to happen, because we fell about laughing when we heard what you'd done, so I'm asking you guys, where did we all go wrong?".
Ary had his hand up immediately.
"Shelby shouldn't have punished Dillon".
Jace was relieved, Ary had, without knowing it, made it easy for Jace to explain it to them.
"Ary, what exactly did Shelby do to punish him, did she spank Dillon, did she inflict some penance, did she say he was going to be penalised for any length of time?".
Ary was clearly confused, one thing he was certain of, was the fact they were about to fail, but he answered with the only defence he had.
"No, but she grounded Dillon".
Jace wanted to smile but he didn't.
"And she had to, Shelby had to administer that instruction because it's the only defence she is allowed, she cannot be the judge of right and wrong where you guys are concerned, we, your parents, reserve that right, and we will never give it up".
There was a silence from the children.
From his brothers and Mel, there was admiration, the way Jace was dealing with this totally amazed them.
"Dillon was fighting at school, that fact is not in dispute, Shelby couldn't be be seen to condone that, therefore she had no option but to ground Dillon, that is the agreed practice, put in place by us, your parents, for your protection".
This time Bobby's hand shot up.
Jace nodded to him, indicating that he could ask his question.
"But why, I don't understand?".
"We are your parents, and we will never allow someone else to judge or punish you, whatever the circumstances, you have our complete protection, we insist on being the ones who listen to your explanation, only we can decide if any punishment is warranted, and what that punishment should be".
Jace paused for a moment before going on.
"We know you the best, we trust you to always tell us the truth, and I hope you trust us to never be unfair, that doesn't mean we would be more lenient, you will always receive a fair judgment from us, but we could never let someone else take that role from us".
Dillon's hand rose hesitantly now.
Jace nodded to him.
His voice didn't have any of it's earlier anger, in fact he was really quiet, speaking slowly.
"So Shelby didn't have a choice, it didn't matter what she thought, she had to ground me until you came home, is that right?"
Jace smiled, the one who he needed to understand most, that he hadn't been treated unfairly, had finally got it.
"Yes son, that's exactly right".
Mel spoke next.
"I'll go call Shelby and apologise".
They were all completely surprised when Dillon asked.
"Could I do that with you Momma, after all, none of this would have happened if I hadn't been angry at Shel for grounding me, I think I should say sorry".
Mel grabbed him into a hug, ruffling his hair and getting a laugh from everyone as Dillon protested.
"Momma you're messing my hair up".
The call to Shelby had been difficult, Shelby had been clearly still upset, until Mel said she had someone with her who wanted to say something.
Shelby had been ready for Jace to try his charm, she was determined to rebuff him, but she wasn't prepared for the angelic voice of Dillon.
"I'm sorry Shel, it was all my fault, I understand now, you had to ground me, I shouldn't have got angry with you, will you come back please, I promise I won't ever do it again".
When he finished speaking Dillon was crying, Shelby could hear it in his voice, and she melted.
"Don't cry munchkin, I'll see you in the morning I promise, now, dry your eyes and put your Momma back on".
Dillon handed the receiver to his Momma and made to leave, but Mel pulled him into a hug as she spoke to Shelby, determined, if he could brave it and apologise, then he could hear his Momma do the same.
"We're all sorry Shel, that's not a general remark, it's a genuine apology, we shouldn't have done what we did, we didn't see how much it had upset you, but it's no excuse, we should have known how it would upset you, we all understand how devoted you are too them, please, I'm begging, forgive us".
Mel held her breath, she hadn't been privy to Shelby's conversation with Dillon, where she'd said she would be there in the morning".
"I'll be there in the morning, but thanks, I was upset, but let's forget it now".
When Mel told the family about her conversation with Shelby at dinner, she paid particular attention to the contribution Dillon had made, praising him, causing her son to blush profusely, but getting a collective sigh of relief from the adults, whilst the youngsters all high fived with Dillon, congratulating him on having, as the boys whispered furtively, the balls to apologise, that was what they admired him for most".
If they'd thought it was all okay again they were wrong, but the upset didn't come from Shelby, who breezed in next morning as if the previous day had never happened.
It was the father of the boy with the broken nose.
As they were eating breakfast, the gatehouse staff informed them, there was a man and child asking to be admitted.
As soon as the name was announced, Dillon gasped.
"It's him, the one who's nose I broke, I'll apologise Poppa".
Jace shushed him with.
"Dillon, we already agreed, you didn't do anything wrong, I would have done the same, so you'll not be apologising, let's see what he's got to say first".
Their car pulled up to the main house, Jace met the stranger and his son, who bye the way, had a dressing across his nose, and two lovely black eyes.
As they alighted from the car, the stranger headed directly toward Jace who was ready to defend himself if necessary, but Jace was completely thrown when he heard.
"I'm Phil Coulson, this is my son Trevor, I've come so that we can make some apologies, are you the parent of the girl I hear my son bullied?".
Jace was completely taken aback for a moment.
"No, no, that would be my Brother Jo and his partner David, they live in the wing over there, I'll have them come meet you, come in, we were just having breakfast, have you eaten yet?".
Phil was impressed, he'd come to apologise for his son's behaviour, and here they were being offered breakfast, which in all truth sounded appealing.
"No, we don't often get time for breakfast, I work at an insurance company, only as a lowly claims handler, but I have to be at my desk by seven thirty each morning to qualify for an early finish, it's the only way I can work it to be finished early enough that Trevor isn't left alone after school, I'm a divorced dad, and mommy dearest was last heard of somewhere in Europe with her lover".
Jace smiled.
"Being a parent is a bit of a trial, but let's see if we can at least put one thing right straight away, come and have breakfast, I won't bother calling Jo and David, they'll join us anyway in the next few minutes, they're always the last ones to arrive, something about girls taking longer to get ready in the morning, so at least be grateful you have a son".
As he seated them in the large breakfast room, Jace saw the glares coming from his son's and their cousins Luke and Liam, directed at Trevor.
But their heads snapped around to face him when Jace spoke.
"Phil and Trevor are guests in our home, I've invited to have breakfast with us, I expect that everyone will afford them every courtesy, that is not negotiable, am I understood?"
Five heads nodded in agreement, Jace's tone, not his words, had delivered the message, 'Don't you dare mess with me'.
They were all eating and chatting when Jo, David Jermain and Tish entered the breakfast room.
Tish stopped dead when she saw Trevor, turning to cling to David who seeing they had guests, couldn't understand Tish's behaviour.
That was until Jermain said, whilst looking directly at Trevor.
"What the hell are you doing here?".
Jo and David looked totally bewildered until Jace answered Jermain's question.
"As I've just pointed out to your cousins, Trevor and his father Phil, are here having breakfast at my invitation, I expect them to be extended the courtesy every guest should be afforded in this house, am I making myself clear?".
Jermain's attitude folded, exactly as his cousins had, he had no wish to lock horns with his uncle Jace, he just nodded in agreement.
Jace spoke to David and Jo.
"Phil has brought his son Trevor to administer some apologies, Trevor is apparently the person responsible for the bullying Tish suffered, now I know you will agree with me, it took some real nerve to turn up here, so I reckon, the least we can do is to feed them before we pummel them to pulp".
Jo smiled, this was Jace at his finest, taking a difficult situation and not just diffusing it, turning it into a laughing matter, so Jo replied.
"Oh heck Jace, you know I can't fight on a full stomach, and there's no way I'm missing my breakfast, so I guess we'll just have to accept whatever apologies come our way, welcome Phil, Trevor, enjoy your breakfast".
Forty five minutes later as the dishes were being cleared away, Phil looked at his son, saying.
"Okay tiger, it's time to bite the bullet, it's okay, I've got your back, just be honest".
Trevor, visibly shaking, pushed his chair back and stood facing Tish.
"I'm sorry, really sorry, what I did, what I said, it was wrong, I don't even know why I did it, but believe me, I'll never do it again, I apologise".
He now took in all of them, Tish and her cousins, but he centred on Dillon.
"You taught me a lesson, I think I needed it, I definitely needed someone to stand up to me, I don't know if you would consider being my friend, but I would consider it an honour if you would".
When he stopped talking there was silence, Trevor, very uneasily, sat slowly down, thinking they didn't believe him, his father put his arm around him, to show how proud he was of him, but no one acknowledged what he'd said, until Dillon stood up, looked directly at Trevor, and started clapping, saying.
"That really took some guts, I don't know yet if it was genuine, mainly because I don't know you, so we'll see, but I'm willing to shake your hand, just remember, what I did once, I could, and would do again if you're not telling the truth, but for now I believe you".
Jace was beaming with pride, his boy had told not only Trevor he accepted his apology, he'd informed his brothers, and his cousins, exactly how to respond, they all started clapping Trevor.
By the time they left Mel had spent time quizzing Phil on what his work involved, and she'd gotten his number, later that day she'd be speaking with Tanya about him.
When Mel met Tanya for lunch, it was at the same little Bistro where they'd met that first time.
Unbeknown to Tanya, Mel had invited Tanya's partner Lois to join them.
Mel had been chatting with Tanya when Lois turned up.
Jumping up, Tanya had grabbed Lois into a hug, and then realised, she'd just hugged and lip locked her partner in front of her boss, she started to apologise, but Mel cut her off, laughing as she said.
"Will you please shut up Tanya, Lois is here because I invited her, now stop worrying, you and I have some serious talking to do today, I wanted you to have Lois's support before you decide what to do".
Tanya only said a few words.
"You really are unbelievable, and I bloody love you, but only in the telling you sense, not the other, well you know what I mean, I'll shut up now before I make a complete pratt of myself",
Mel was laughing now.
"Wise decision".
As they'd ordered, they'd made small talk, but it was obvious, Tanya was apprehensive, and so, after their food was served, Mel launched into her prepared spiel.
"Okay I'll lay it on the line for you, when I agreed to set up JBJ Claims Management, I agreed to commit for a maximum of one year, then I would return to JD which is my preference, I love JD's work, so I have a bit of a problem, if I leave JBJ Claims Management who is going to step in as CEO, well fortunately, I have that situation covered, you see, I've had someone earmarked since I met her here in this very same Bistro nearly a year ago, and since that day she's done nothing but impress me, in case you haven't worked it out yet, that's you Tanya".
Tanya had been about to put a forkful of food into her mouth, but the fork stopped mid motion, her mouth stayed open, her eyes registered confusion, and Lois burst out laughing, confusing Tanya even further, until Lois said.
"Now I understand why I'm here, Tanya love, put the fork down and close your mouth, then when your brain finally kicks into gear, say the words, 'yes please boss', ".
It took about twenty seconds before Tanya went through the motions and said.
"Yes please boss, but are you sure?".
Mel looked at Lois, saying.
"You'll do a better job of explaining that to her later, but for your peace of mind, it's because I've known it since we first met in this very Bistro, but there is a slight difference in this appointment".
Speaking directly to Tanya, Mel said.
"You'll need to appoint a Vice CEO, someone who can effectively carry out your role, because, eventually you will be handing over the CEO position at Claims Management to whoever you appoint".
Tanya looked puzzled, so did Lois.
"Because of how important you have proved yourself to be in dealing with the contractual requirements of every other division, Jace has requested, no scrub that, Jace has actually demanded that you always be available to continue that role, in fact he's already obtained Board approval to set up a separate division which will deal purely with contracts, it's his request, as soon as you are confident Claims Management is in good hands, you will move to CEO JBJ Contractual, now coming from Jace, that is some big praise there girl".
Mel quite suddenly thought of the other thing she wanted Tanya to investigate, telling her about Phil and Trevor, Tanya surprised her.
"Are we talking about Phil Coulson?".
Mel nodded before Tanya continued.
"Oh he is so on my radar, that boy knows his onions, ( sorry, it's a UK saying, meaning, the person is well versed, knows what they're talking about), I just need a way to approach him, I want him".
Mel smiled as she said.
"I'll give you his cell number, however you do it, bring him into the fold, I'm guessing I don't need to tell you, he's a good guy who's really struggling, mention me, but get him on board".
Tanya was smiling as well.
"Consider it done Boss Lady".
That afternoon Phil Coulson received a text from Tanya, it read.
'You're invited to meet me tomorrow, twelve midday at, The Bistro', don't give a thought to how your employers will view that, by close of business you will have given them your notice, I can guarantee you a position that will improve the future for both you and your son, it's now your decision, but I'm authorised to say, Mel Thorn wants you onboard, and so do I, you know where I'll be at twelve midday, if you turn up we can move forward, I really hope you do turn up, you've been on my radar for such a long time, don't disappoint me, or Mel".
Phil had stared at the text for what seemed like an age.
He'd gone back to looking at it so many times, daring to dream, if it were genuine, could his and Trevor's life improve, he really hoped so, he did his best, but he knew, Trevor suffered.
He'd made up his mind that evening after discussing it with Trevor, who had put it into simple terms.
"Dillon's mom is really nice, this Tanya couldn't get your number unless Dillon's mom gave it to her, so the part about Mel wanting you must be right, and this Tanya, she says she's been watching you, that's what the radar bit means, and you don't watch someone unless you're worried about them or you like them".
Phil nodded at his son's reasoning, but Trevor wasn't finished.
"Unless there's something you're not telling me, there's no reason for her to be worried about you, so she must like you, so go for it, it's a gamble, but I'm with you, whatever the outcome, we'll manage, we always do".
Phil dragged his son into a hug.
"Thanks, I know I overthink things, you seem to be able to drill down to the nitty gritty, I'm going to be there, see what she wants, it's one lunch hour, I've probably worked a month of overtime, which I'll never get back, tomorrow I'm taking a lunch break, wish me luck".
When Trevor replied, Phil's heart melted.
"You're my Daddy, you don't need luck, just be yourself, she'll love you like I do".
It was ten minutes before midday, Phil hadn't been able to get a cab, not because there weren't plenty of them, he just couldn't afford one, and taking his car out of the parking garage he used, well that meant he risked not being able to secure a parking spot for the afternoon.
Hence why he was almost jogging, in a suit and tie, in the midday heat, pouring with sweat.
He arrived at 'The Bistro', about five minutes after midday, Tanya was sitting outside.
As she saw him approaching she stood up, holding out her hand in greeting.
"I was beginning to think you'd stood me up, but why the hell didn't you get a cab?".
Phil was fighting for breath as he answered.
"Because I can't afford a cab, and I couldn't take my car out of the parking garage because I knew I'd never get back in, and if I'm too far from the office I can't get to the school on time to pick Trevor up, it's the single parents worst nightmare, so I hoofed it, sorry I'm late, not in as good shape these days".
Tanya was laughing as she replied.
"Well we're going to have a leisurely lunch, then I'll drop you back at your office, fashionably late, and it won't matter, because all you're going to be doing this afternoon is penning your leaving letter".
Phil realised, he was still gripping Tanya's hand, and looking totally shocked, finally he let go, and said.
"You weren't joking?".
Tanya smiled.
"Oh no, I wasn't joking, you are destined for much better things, and believe me, I can't wait to crow about how I bagged you, there are so many managers across so many companies who would give anything to have you work with them, but I don't think you know, or understand, how highly you are thought of, by just about everyone except the idiots who actually employ you".
They'd spent over two hours talking
Phil had gone away from their meeting thinking it was Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving all rolled into one.
That afternoon he arrived back at his office desk nearly two hours late to be greeted by a sour faced department manager.
"Coulson you're two hours late, I could discipline you, but instead you can work late tonight, I have a project I need done urgently".
Phil almost went into a panic.
"I can't work late, I have to collect my son from school, you know it's why I always come in early, I must have about thirty hours of overtime in hand in case of emergencies, I'll take it out of that".
His managers expression didn't change.
"You get to use overtime by mutual agreement, in this case I don't agree, you'll work over tonight".
He didn't wait for Phil to reply, he was gone.
It was right then where Phil made the decision, he called the number Tanya had given him when she'd said, 'Doesn't matter, night or day, when you decide it's time to make a stand, ring this number, very few people have it, tell me yes, and I'll guarantee you will never regret it".
Phil dialled, heard the call as it was answered, and said.
"I think I'm about to be fired".
Tanya replied.
"Why what did you do, oh please tell me you punched the old trout".
Phil actually laughed.
"No, I'm just about to tell him to shove the job up his fat arse".
Tanya was laughing as well now.
"Leave your cell on so I can listen, this is better than a soap opera, go for it, just be assured, the moment you walk out of that hell hole, you are on our payroll, and I'm guessing you'll be earning around three times what you currently have to kill yourself to earn"
Phil took a deep breath and walked the length of the office to the glassed in office of his department manager, his cell phone in his shirt pocket, with Tanya still connected.
He didn't bother knocking, and he left the door wide open as he walked in unannounced, uninvited, the look of shock on his managers face gave him an exhilarating feeling, spurring him on.
"I won't be working late this evening, in fact, I won't be working late ever again, nor will I be coming in early, missing breaks, or working through lunch".
His manager was visibly furious, red faced.
"How dare you, you'll do as you're told unless you want to find yourself out of a job".
Phil could hear Tanya chuckling, he felt the vibration of her voice against his chest as he carried on.
"Oh don't worry I'll never be out of a job, but I won't be slaving away here, being dictated to by a lazy, ignorant, fat arsed twat, that would be you I'm describing, in case you hadn't worked it out, I thought I'd help you with that because I know how slow you are".
His manager was now almost frothing at the mouth.
"You're fired, get out, I'll see you on the streets you ungrateful bastard".
Phil was almost laughing now, and he could hear and feel the reverberations of Tanya laughing.
"I beg to correct you, but my parents were actually married many years before I appeared, so no, I'm not a bastard, but I can understand how you would have a fixation with the word, after all, if the office gossip can be relied on, your momma was a very friendly girl, I've heard several references to cycling, 'A bike, I believe, is how the staff refer to her', anyway, that's irrelevant, you being an actual bastard I mean, I'm leaving, sacked, fired, whatever, it was my paycheque day yesterday, I've already received the last meagre salary payment from you, keep the hours you owe me, goodbye, have a shit life, please".
Phil then turned, leaving his no longer managers office, to a round of applause from just about everyone in the outer office who had listened to the exchange.
When he walked out of the building, he looked happy and confident, being slapped on the back by people he'd worked with for years, people who hadn't known he existed until that day.
But in truth Phil was terrified, right then he had no income.
TBC ARB Allan
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