Chapter 54: Managing my own life (1)
I couldn't say much upon learning everything that Stanley has told me. I was so agitated with my father that I didn't want to show up at home. I originally wanted to spend some weeks at home before heading to the city to look for a job while self reviewing for my board exams. Now, I didn't want to see his face anymore! If Mark wasn't married yet, I could have cheered in agreement with his plan, but alas! Everything is a mess!
What am I ? A pawn?
Stanley went quiet after he said all those things to. He must have observed how disturbed and cold I became. He just sat beside me like a consoler. After a long while, he asked, " So what's your plan? I'm just right beside you no matter what." He said softly.
I stared at him for a while and then looked away. If only I could dictate my feelings, I could have easily said yes to him. But the pain of betrayal was still lingering in my heart, adding to this the manipulation my father did.
"I don't want to make decisions now Stan. I might decide to do something that I might regret later. " I replied.
"It's okay, I understand. I'm not pressuring you. Please take your time Fem. But please also remember that I am always here for you." he said as he patted my back.
"Thank you Stan. Just let me think first. Hope you will still be there for me even if I don't decide to choose you." I said.
"I'll try ..after all we're cousins." He smiled wryly.
That night as I laid on my mat, I couldn't get myself to sleep. I imagined myself running away from all these mess. 'Right! Campaign period is about to start! I planned to join the volunteer campaigners of the Provincial Statesman. After the campaign, I'll ask for a part time job from his office while reviewing for my board exams. That will give me reason to stay away from home!'
Although the campsite was near my home, I did not go home after our overnight camping. I went back with my classmates to my boarding house. I stayed there until I left to join the campaigners.
The campaign took three whole months. We went around the province distributing flyers and giving away aids to people who were gathered to listen to what the statesman's party would say. There was almost unanimous voting result in favor of Cong. Wang. It was a landslide victory against his two opponents. Soon after the official announcement of the election result, every newly elected official took their oaths then assumed their official tasks.
I applied as a secretary of the Chief of staff. Unfortunately, they needed a male secretary. They instead recommended me to handle the financial mess in one of their business branches down the far south city. It was reported that the manager who is the nephew of the Congressman cannot handle the stubbornness of employees and their constant advancing of salaries which far exceeds their monthly salary. The business was in the verge of bankruptcy due to this. Apparently, he doesn't want to disappointed his employees because he feared that gheu might turn against his uncle who is a politician.
Congressman Wang's family allowed me to stay in their house at the southside while working as a part time accountant and doing my review for the board exams. On top of these, I also do household chores together with hired helpers who are actually my childhood friends but were not able to finish school.
After a month of scrutinizing the records of the company, I decided to take the payroll clerk's task. This was the only way I can get to know how these huge advances are being made. There were also so many anomalous expenses listed without proper liquidation.
I did a strict auditing on each employees records and didn't allow those who have pending balances to cash advance anymore. I also emposed a strict liquidation of every expenses incurred. At the end of two months, the manager showed me a ten digit savings in the company's account!
"This is record breaking! " He said as he showed me the company's savings passbook. I myself was surprised. I just kept on depositing all cash on hands never really minding to go back to those deposit slips. I just focused on balancing the cash flow everyday.
"What? That's funny!" I exclaimed. I felt proud that I could really do a job like this! I am an Architecture graduate and this job is very unlikely of me. I felt this job was just a joke as it was just so easy. Just a matter of check and balance and everything will be smooth.
"You are a gem! You managed to do this in just two months when all I did was to get headache for all these years! You should have been here long ago! " Percy said.
"Ouchhh! It sounds I deserve a raise ehh?" I laughed.
"Sure, sure but don't be noisy.! I will tell this to big boss. Perhaps he will recommend you to some higher position." Percy said.
"Never mind, I'm enjoying this job. Besides I'm still reviewing for my exams, I can't take a full load of work." I told him.
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