Chapter 5 THE ACCIDENT

¶ LOUISA ¶

As soon as Jessica finished speaking, I rushed over to greet the boss. I was stressed since it was my first day at work and I was walking so fast that I slipped. During my slide, I jostled Carlos PASOLINI.

« Shit ! You can't watch where you step? What is this way of jostling people? » said Carlos PASOLINI angrily.

« Excuse me Mr. PASOLINI. I did not do it on purpose. » I answered shyly.

« What is your name ? » he asked violently

« LOUISA Vargas and I'm your new secretary. » I answered quickly.

« Louisa Vargas? You are fired. » said Carlos PASOLINI.

Following his remarks, he stares at me oddly and leaves. Meanwhile, Jessica who was near me, helped me up.

« I'm sorry Louisa. Normally, Mr PASOLINI is not a simple person. He is a very strict boss. But I've never seen him react that way. I'm sure he's in a bad mood today. » she said.

« Honestly, I am lost. I haven't even done 24 hours in this company and already I'm fired. Don't worry about me Jessica. It'll be OK. I will know how to manage my situation. » I answered

« And what are you going to do after all? » Asked Jessica

« Nothing ! The boss fired me without seeing me at work. I will indeed leave.» I answered

« There must be a solution to this. You can't just walk away. I was really starting to like you. » Added Jessica.

Without saying anything, I hug Jessica and wish her a good day. Then I go to the exit when Carlos PASOLINI reappears.

« Where is she going ? Don't you have work to do? Or haven't you been shown your office yet? » he asked looking at me

I turned around and was silent because I didn't know what to answer.

« Come Louisa. Let me show you your office.» said Jessica coming closer to me.

« Set her up and show her what to do. » Added Carlos PASOLINI

After his remarks, he returns to his office while Jessica led me to mine.

« But what is this funny way of treating me on the first day of work? First he fires me and the next second he asks me if I have nothing to do. » I whispered

¶ ONE HOUR LATER ¶

I was finally settled in my office and I was working. After a while Jessica visits me. Of all the employees of this company, it was she who quickly became familiar with me.

« Sweetheart, are you there? I hope you hold on. » she asked.

« I thank God. Other than what the boss put me through this morning, I'm fine. But how do you manage to work with someone like Carlos PASOLINI? » I asked

« I cannot answer you. Nevertheless, you will get used to him and you will see who is he really.» added Jessica.

After Jessica's words, we both laughed out loud. Then, when it was time for the break, we went to lunch together.

¶ CHRISTELLA ¶

I managed to speak calmly with Esteban without judging him for what he had done to his sister. Then I gave him advice, reminding him that he was the eldest in the family and that there were mistakes he should stop making. As punishment, I forbade him to drink alcohol for two years. He understood my concerns and he swore to me that he would follow my advice in order to become a better man. It was the only thing I could do because I didn't want to press charges against him. It was also impossible because if I did, it would affect the image of our family.

However, my daughter Ericka is still in the hospital for almost a week. I managed to convince her to keep calm. She shouldn't tell anyone about her rape, not even her father. I then begged her to forgive Esteban even though it would seem difficult for her to move on. To make her feel better, I advised her to see a psychologist but she let me know that she didn't need it. I didn't want this rape to affect her on a personal level. It was the best thing I could do to avoid the controversy that this story might cause if it got out.

« Am I a bad mother? »

I constantly ask myself this question because I feel like I approved of my daughter's rape without punishing her rapist.

¶ PABLO ¶

I haven't been happy for a while because my dad doesn't talk to me properly anymore and my mom is also mad at me. Lucas MALDINI meanwhile, he wants to break his ties with our company because I refuse to marry his daughter. Currently I am in the office and I do not have peace of mind. I am also unable to make some important decisions for the processing of the files which are in my charge. Suddenly I decided to get out of my office and go for a walk. I needed to clear my mind. I then get into my vehicle and I drive without knowing exactly where to go. I was driving very fast and five minutes later, an accident occurs. I had just run over a passenger. My victim was an old woman crossing the road. I park quickly and get out of my car to see the facts. When transporting her to my vehicle and taking her to the hospital, a young man approached me.

« This old woman is a thief. She owes me money and she refuses to pay me. I thank God you knocked it down. She deserves to die. » said the young man

« It's bad to say such things to the elderly. How much does she owe you young man? » I answered

Before giving him time to answer my question, I took my checkbook out of my pocket and wrote him a check.

« Take ! I hope this amount good for you. » I added

The young man was happy and he thanked me. Then I rushed to take the old lady to the hospital. I was the son of the most important man in Europe and everyone who was present at this accident site recognized me. The press was quick to arrive at the accident site, but fortunately I had already left.