Stand by me

40. An agreemnt, not a request.

Alfred stood before his desk checking out some files carefully and thoughtfully. He was arranging to leave when the door opened and Irene walked in. He raised an eyebrow, seeing that her expression was awful like she was trying to her anger.

"What happened?" he asked curiously.

Irene clenched her fingers and asked back,
"What did you do Alfred?"

"What are you trying to say?" Alfred frowned and turned to pick up what he was doing. This just angered Irene even more and she walked closer to him.

"Are you trying to pretend like you didn't do anything?!" she demanded.
"I just hope that whatever you want to say is valid," he said quietly but his jaw was tightening at the confrontation. If it was someone else who dared to confront him like this, he wouldn't be controlling him like this.

Irene took a deep breath and started, "You were the one who asked me to give a hard job to that girl but suddenly you went behind me and helped her. Not only did you make her work much easier but made me look like the villain. Why would you do that Alfred?" If it wasn't for Lando, she wouldn't have found out about all this. She felt hurt, betrayed, and stupid.

So that's what this is about, Alfred hissed inwardly and turned his attention to Irene.
"I told you to make work hard for her, agreed but did I ask you to make it hellish?" he returned. Irene was speechless as she stared at him unbelievably. He continued anyway. "Even with five people walking in that office, it is a challenge but you made one person do it. Work was so much that other departments were complaining. When she complained, it was to you, right? But you didn't respond and sent it to me. So, I made a decision. And that wasn't enough for you, you stopped anyone from repairing their system which I am sure you tampered with. Is that how you want it? For my employees to think that I am cruel?" his gaze bored into her and she felt like it was knives being pointed at her.

Irene laughed humorously and faced him again. "If you didn't want that chick to suffer, you shouldn't have trusted me to do or check on it yourself. I didn't want to do it myself but you made me too. And now…even if I made a mistake, why didn't you tell me?"

Alfred stayed quiet letting her words sink. He can understand her anger. He did want Safiyya to suffer at first but soon realized it wasn't her fault. And in an attempt to ease her suffering, he forgot about Irene.
"Okay, Irene. I wanted to inform you but I was busy. It skipped my mind. Sorry, " he said.

"You don't sound remorseful at all," she scoffed.

"Don't push your luck," he added. How many people were lucky to hear an apology from him? "So unless you want us to be late for the board meeting, you would move from the way. And have Lucas send the message to the participants for the bazaar. We have to make the preparations faster,"

"Okay," Irene nodded passively and walked out. Alfred sighed and walked out too. He didn't notice the darkness that was gleaning in her eyes.

When it was time for the lunch break, unlike before Safiyya had time to join others. It felt surreal. She went to the cafeteria and they didn't ask foa pay. After eating and praying, she went back to work. There were works they couldn't finish but with teamwork, it ended before 7. Safiyya came out of the office and took in a deep breath. The sky had started getting darker and she could see the crescent moon shining from above.

"Shukran Ya Rabb," she smiled and called Old Xav. They had a phone call with Joseph when Old Xav went to pick him up and he wouldn't stop asking when she was moving to their house. Only if he can understand what was happening. Alfred hadn't spoken about it again and she didn't know what decision she would take.

When Jessy came home that night, she was astonished by the aroma stemming from the kitchen.
"Welcome back!" Safiyya's voice brought her out of reverie.

Jessy gasped and rushed to her. "Don't feel me you quit your job?"

Safiyya gave her a harmful glare. "Don't assume that now or I will eat these alone,"

Jessy hummed in response and eyed her friend suspiciously. "You seem to be in a good mood today heh,"

"Don't piss me off, Jessy. Maybe I won't be here for you to do that anymore," Safiyya returned and switched off the gas.

Jessy slapped her forehead and her expression became remorseful. She walked over to Safiyya and gave her a side hug. "I forgot that you were leaving soon bestie. Take me with you, please. I will even be your doormat."

Safiyya chuckled and pushed Jessy's head. "Try talking to the owner if he agrees and I haven't made a final decision yet," she said and carried the plates to the table.

"Oh really?" Jessy snorted. "Your words sound so sure Sofiyya,"

"Not necessarily," Safiyya shrugged and sat down. She waved her hand at Jessy dismissively. "Go and freshen up now before the food gets cold,"

"Okay, Madam," Jessy rolled her eyes and sauntered to the room. Safiyya smiled and exhaled. If she does leave, Allah knows that she will miss Jessy a lot. They have been sharing a room for years now.

The next day, while she working in the filing office, she got a call from Alfred. Her palms suddenly became sweaty and she had to calm her breath and took permission from Gab before going upstairs.

Safiyya was before the office again. Last time's memory flashed in her head and she took a deep breath before scanning her card. The door opened and she walked in.

Alfred was sitting on the couch with one leg over the other. She muttered bismillah and walked over cautiously.
"Good morning," she said and he just pointed at the other couch. "Have a seat,"

She sat down and looked anywhere but his eyes.
"When are you planning on moving?" his question came. She knew that Joseph must be pressuring him at home.

"I already told you my concerns," she replied lowly.

He dropped his legs and palmed his knees. "I can believe that you have a tight hold on your religion and if I keep dragging this, I will only be putting my son's health at risk," he said seriously and she couldn't help but agree. "So, I can make some sacrifice," he added and the couch suddenly felt uncomfortable.

The office became quiet with Safiyya's heart beating nervously.
"This isn't a request but rather an agreement," he began. "I know that you don't have citizenship and even as as an employee, it will take some time. So I am offering you one, in return you stay with Joseph until he fully recovers,"

She was still at his final words.
"Through a marriage," she expected this but still can't believe it. You thought of it Safiyya but are you going to agree? Your father would kill you, your mother won't agree too and wait…you can't marry a non-Muslim. Yes, a loophole.

"I can't marry a non-Muslim," she blurted out and he just smirked. "And who said I am?"

Safiyya's eyes widened as he became frozen on the spot.

Surprised?😁 hehe