33 UnHappening Pt. 2 (2/2)

I let that bomb drop on her and saw her smile turn upside down.

”What are your partners even talking? I have been doing this job flawlessly, and I also did my previous one without any fails. Why do I need a college's permission to move up in life?”

”Maddy, you have to understand that a college's stamp is important to the company. There is a public image for us to adhere by. And, you know, you never would have gotten your current job if not for your previous one.”

She took a step back and questioned, ”What does that even mean?”

”I mean, your experience was too valuable to pass on. Your communication skills laid the foundation for our success…”

She cut me off and asked me another question, ”So you only used me for your gains?”

”Maddy, that is the literal definition of a JOB. You lend the company your skills. In turn, you get paid. Also, we were not dating when you came to me for a job. So this is '10 months old' Blessing talking, not present me.”

”I don't care. I just, never thought you'd put your authority in between us.”

I had to recover the situation. I knew that it was going south very fast.

”Maddy, you know I'd do anything for you. So, I'll try to make it happen. I'll call every one in charge and vouch for you.

Madonna started nodding to my idea. She turned around and unlocked the office door. Before leaving, she turned around and said, ”You do that, Blessing, or I will walk away.”

She didn't have to add that! the feeling of being alone and being replaced still lingered in my mind like a nightmare. Even after the compassion I received from Maddy, the haunting image of her holding somebody else's hand, made me cry. I was still in ignorance regarding my weaknesses, the ones that Maddy was still unaware of. And I cursed myself for being closed off while I battled this cloud of negativity all by myself.

I had to do something. I couldn't let her go away. I could not bear to be by myself again.

It was at dusk when we returned home. Madonna was still dejected, and I was still clueless to find a solution. We went inside the house, got changed, ate dinner, and prepared for bed. even since afternoon, we had not had a conversation. It was killing me inside. The fact that there was already a person who possibly could take the manager's place thinned Madonna's success rate even further.

But I had a plan in mind, and that was the only leverage I could pull against my partners. As we laid down next to each other, I explained my idea to Madonna.

”If you enroll into a college or a university, you can have your foot in the door. It is possible to have a position like that, provided that you get your Bachelor's Degree while you work.”

Madonna's eyes sparked once again. It was a good chance for her to grab that promotion. She smiled from ear to ear before she whipped out her cellphone and showed me her Google searches.

”I was looking for universities which had my required courses. Turned out there was one in Kathmandu. Jazeera Uni. For Arts. It's a three year program. I don't have to buy any books, and the fee is low too. It's a steal!”

”Maddy, why not find here in Pokhra. Going to Kathmandu every day would be troublesome.”

”No, no, it wouldn't be hard. I enrolled for weekend classes. Also, if I found a school in Pokhra, I'd be too distracted by you and work. Its actually nice to have some distance. Keeps the fire burning in our hearts, am I right?”

I couldn't help but agree with her. staying here in Pokhra would be a huge distraction for her and me. And this was a crucial step for her to take. Maybe a little bit of space would help her.

I gulped away my anxiety and asked her,” So, when is the new session starting?”

”In 21 days. I will probably take 4 days off to find a place there. Speaking of that, Blessing I don't have much saved. Do you mind if I ask you to pay my fee? I'll return it to you as soon as possible.”

”Sshhh. You don't have to return anything. I'd be happy to help. Just focus on your studies and make us proud.”

After agreeing to help, I hugged her tightly to avoid looking in her eyes. I knew it was not going to last for long. She'd be here for majority of the times. We'd still have sex. We'd still be together.

Right?