A Second Chance Part 7
Thanks to my Beta.
Emma had been nervously pacing back and forth in Jenny’s office ever since Jasmin left her there some time ago. After Jenny had threatened her and left Mr. Hartmann apologized to Emma before he left as well to return to his office several levels below. Jasmin had attempted to calm Emma down and continue to reiterate that Jenny didn’t mean anything she said. Jasmin had shooed Emma into Jenny’s office and told her to wait there while she talked to Jenny. That had been over fifteen minutes ago and no one had returned yet.
Emma alternated between anxiously wringing her hands together and running a hand through her hair as she replayed the memories of the incident in her head. How could I have let myself do something so stupid? Why wasn’t I more careful? Why didn’t I watch where I was going?
Emma felt like she could cry at any moment. She couldn’t believe how bad her first day was turning out to be. She had so wanted to make a good first impression today. She wanted people to like her and maybe she could even find a new friend here. But, she had blown it. She had spilled coffee on her new boss before she even had the opportunity to introduce herself. “I’m such an idiot” Emma mumbled into the room.
Emma thought about Jenny’s threat again. Is she really going to fire me? Emma wondered. Jenny had seemed so serious when she told Emma that it left little doubt in Emma’s mind that she would do it. Emma tried to hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes at the thought of being fired. Her life had been in shambles this last year. Her feelings of unworthiness and failure had grown like a disease inside her brain, overpowering any positive thoughts she had about herself. She had convinced herself that her life could never improve. But, then she had gotten this job here at the bank and suddenly everything didn’t seem so bleak. Now, she saw a way to dig herself out of this hole she was living in. The knowledge that she had scored a job in one of the most prestigious banks in Europe caused a shift inside of Emma. For the first time in over a year she began to think better of herself. She began to have hopes that things would turn around and she could be happy again. But now it all came tumbling down with the realization that Jenny would probably fire her. The negative thoughts were beginning to seep back inside of her no matter how hard she tried to keep them away. What will I do now if I get fired? Will I have to beg for my job back at SaalEins? Will I just become a deadbeat? Emma wiped away a stray tear that had fallen down her cheek. She didn’t want to even begin to fathom what she would do if she got fired. She needed to keep this job and she didn’t care if she had to beg for it. She wasn’t about to let the best thing that has happened to her for so long slip away; at least not without a fight.
Suddenly the door behind Emma made a creaking noise and she immediately whipped her head around. The door opened and Emma held her breath as she waited for the figure to come into the room. Emma’s heartbeat accelerated in her chest when she realized the figure was Jenny Hartmann. Emma waited with bated breath as Jenny closed the door behind her and turned to face Emma. An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. Emma noticed that the coffee was still splattered across Jenny’s suit. It made her heart beat impossibly faster. Emma saw Jenny cast her gaze across the room, unwilling to look at Emma. Does this mean she wants to fire me? Emma wasn’t entirely sure. But she figured it wasn’t a good sign that Jenny didn’t want to make eye contact. Maybe I should explain myself then. This might be my only shot before she makes her decision. Without waiting for Jenny to step any farther into the room Emma opened her mouth and began to apologize.
“I am so unbelievably sorry that I spilled coffee on you! It was a complete accident! I would never do that on purpose! I should have watched where I was going! It’s totally my fault! I will pay for a new suit. Just please don’t fire me! I-”
“Stop!” Jenny demanded with a shaky voice. Emma closed her mouth and looked uncertainly at Jenny. She saw for the first time since Jenny had come into the room that her eyes were trained on her. Emma noticed that the Jenny’s eyes held none of the fiery anger she had seen before. Instead, they seemed hesitant and shy. It made Emma even more uncertain. Why didn’t she look angry anymore? Emma bit her bottom lip nervously and dropped her gaze as Jenny walked farther into the room. As Jenny came closer to her Emma’s eyes returned to meet Jenny’s. Emma noticed that Jenny’s eyes were red and puffy and her makeup had disappeared. It looked like Jenny had been crying. Emma felt a wave of guilt. Did I make her cry? Emma was about to open her mouth again and try to explain herself but Jenny spoke up before she had the chance.
“You don’t need to apologize” Jenny croaked in a shaky voice. “I know it was an accident. I should be the one apologizing to you” Jenny continued as her voice turned into a shy whisper. “It was wrong of me to yell at you like that. You didn’t deserve it” Jenny inhaled deeply and braved a glance at Emma before dropping her gaze to the floor. “I can’t really give an excuse for my behavior. But, I just want you to know I am truly sorry for the way I treated you”.
Emma raised her eyebrow in surprise. She apologized to me? She didn’t yell at me? What does that mean? Emma couldn’t relax until she knew officially if she would be let go. It was still possible for Jenny to do that.
“So you’re not going to fire me?” Emma asked quietly.
The corners of Jenny’s mouth turned upwards in amusement. “No, I am not going to fire you”.
Emma breathed a sigh of relief. She felt her muscles relaxing and the bad thoughts dissipating from her mind. I get to keep my job. She isn’t going to fire me. Emma smiled at Jenny’s words. She was so happy that Jenny wasn’t going to fire her. She was amazed that Jenny even apologized too. She definitely hadn’t expected her to apologize when she walked in the door. Does this mean all is forgiven? Emma wondered.
“If you don’t mind I would like to start over and forget this morning. We can start from the beginning if you would like” Jenny continued.
“Ok, that sounds great!” Emma replied enthusiastically.
“Yeah? In that case,” Jenny said as she took a step forward and extended her hand, “My name is Jennifer Hartmann. I am your new boss”.
Emma’s smile widened and she eagerly accepted her hand, happy to play along with Jenny. “My name is Emma Muller. I am your new employee”. Jenny smiled and let go of Emma’s hand after she shook it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Emma. I look forward to working with you”.
“Likewise” Emma beamed.
“Why don’t I finally show you to your new desk and you can get started on your work” Jenny said as she made her way to the door.
“Ok” Emma replied shortly as she followed Jenny to the door. Maybe things won’t be so bad after all she thought.
-------------------------------------------------
After Jenny had apologized to Emma the tension seemed to dissipate between the two of them. The two girls made small talk as Jenny escorted Emma down several hallways to a large open space filled with rows of cubicles. Jenny had shown Emma her new cubicle where her desk would be and she would work. It was a tiny space, but Emma loved it. When they had arrived at Emma’s new desk Jenny had gone over a lot of things with Emma that Jasmin had not covered earlier that day. Jenny had described with greater detail exactly what Emma’s job would be at the company. Emma listened attentively and made sure to take notes on certain things that she might later forget. Before Jenny left she gave Emma several fake accounts to practice on to make sure she was doing the job correctly before she would start the real thing. Emma had been in deep thought for the last hour as she punched away at her calculator and filled in numbers in the correct spot on the sheet. She was so focused on the material in front of her that she didn’t notice the person who popped their head above the cubicle wall.
“You’re doing it wrong” the person said to her.
Emma jumped in her seat and looked up. “My goodness. You scared me!” she said.
“Sorry” the person replied.
Once Emma’s heart rate had slowed she took a better look at the person. It was a man with short brown hair and large thick-rimmed glasses. His eyes were slightly wide and he grinned at her sheepishly.
“Who are you?” Emma asked him with slight annoyance. She didn’t like that he had startled her and interrupted her focus.
The man grinned happily at Emma and with some difficulty extended his arm over the wall to introduce himself. “My name is Hotte”.
Emma shook the man’s hand. “I’m Emma” she replied politely.
“I know” Hotte exclaimed, his smile growing wider. “You’re the new girl who spilled coffee on the boss this morning”.
Emma’s jaw dropped, “How do you…?-” Emma began in shock.
“Know?” Hotte finished for her. Emma just nodded her head, too surprised to respond with words.
“One of the accountants on the third floor saw you” Hotte explained.
“Does word really travel that fast?” Emma questioned as she realized that she and Hotte were on the fifth floor.
“Pretty much. Everyone knows everyone’s business here”.
“Great” Emma said in resignation. People were already beginning to talk about her. This was definitely not how she wanted to start the first day of her new job.
“People even placed bets on you”.
“Bets?” Emma repeated in confusion.
“Yes, to see how long it would take for you to be fired. Usually if someone pisses off Jenny they get sacked pretty quickly. Since the man from the third floor said Jenny was livid at you everyone decided to bet on how long it would take before she fired you”.
“But, Jenny apologized to me. She said it wasn’t my fault”.
“Hmm” Hotte tisked as he shook his head.
“What?” Emma asked him.
“I’ve heard Jenny apologizes to everyone. She makes you think you’re forgiven and then bam! She lets you go when you least expect”.
Emma seemed to think Hotte’s words over. Was this true? Was Jenny just putting on an act when she apologized? Jenny’s apology had seemed so sincere to her though.
“I hear the majority are betting that you’ll last a week before the princess gives you the axe”
“The princess?”
“Jenny. Everyone calls her the princess”.
“Why?” Emma asked curiously.
“You’ll find out soon enough” Hotte said with a knowing smile.
Emma dropped her gaze to the sheets in front of her as she contemplated everything this man told her. She couldn’t believe that people in the office were betting on her. It caused an uneasy feeling to creep up inside of her. This day just kept getting worse and worse. How could people already be judging me when I haven’t even met them yet? What kind of people bet on their coworker’s termination from the company? Emma’s mood instantly plummeted again. She couldn’t believe how bad this day was turning out to be.
Hotte must have sensed how upset Emma was at his revelation because he tried to comfort her. “Hey, don’t feel too bad. Everyone makes bets on the newbies, it’s a way for us to pass the time. Don’t take it personally”.
“Hmm” Emma mumbled in response. Somehow, his words did little to ease the queasiness inside her.
“Look that is the reason I am offering to help you. You’re doing those accounts wrong and I thought I could give you some tips to get back in the good graces with the boss. It might be a good way to impress her”.
“How am I doing it wrong? This is how I was taught to do it” Emma said.
“The princess puts her own personal twist to it. It helps distinguish us from other banks” Hotte explained.
“Oh” Emma muttered. Does that really matter? Who cares if our accounts are organized differently than other banks? “How do I not know you’re just lying to me because you made a bet on me too?” Emma asked.
Hotte’s smile faltered and he lowered his eyes in disappointment. “I wouldn’t do that. I just want to help you. I don’t want you to be on Jenny’s bad side. There is nothing worse than that. She can make your life a living hell here”.
Emma mulled over Hotte’s words. He seemed pretty sincere. The expression on his face let Emma know he was being honest. So she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. What if Jenny really did want these accounts a certain way? It wouldn’t hurt to impress her. Besides if she is really is mad at me it will help me get back on her good side.
“Hey, listen, if I am wrong and Jenny yells at you all you have to do is tell her Hotte said this was the way to do it. That way you won’t get in trouble and it will be me instead” Hotte continued. Emma definitely liked that idea. She wouldn’t have to get in trouble with Jenny if he was lying.
“Alright” Emma relented. She figured it wouldn’t hurt to have him show her. Besides, the man seemed kind. Maybe he could end up being a friend to her in the future. “ Will you show me how to do it the way Jenny likes please?”
“Sure I can for a pretty girl like you!” Hotte said enthusiastically. Emma felt her cheeks burn crimson and she dropped her gaze to the desk. She heard Hotte shuffling behind the wall before she heard a knock behind her. Her cheeks were still too red for her to want to turn around. She figured it would be too embarrassing if Hotte saw her blushing from his words. The last thing I need right now is a boyfriend. Especially one who I work with. No, Emma needed to remain completely professional here. She wouldn’t risk her job for a relationship.
Emma felt Hotte pull a chair up next to her and sit down. He picked up the sheets on her desk and rifled through them for a moment. Finally, he spread them all out in front of her and pushed his glasses farther up the bridge of his nose. “Alright, let’s start from the beginning”.
TBC
Emma had been nervously pacing back and forth in Jenny’s office ever since Jasmin left her there some time ago. After Jenny had threatened her and left Mr. Hartmann apologized to Emma before he left as well to return to his office several levels below. Jasmin had attempted to calm Emma down and continue to reiterate that Jenny didn’t mean anything she said. Jasmin had shooed Emma into Jenny’s office and told her to wait there while she talked to Jenny. That had been over fifteen minutes ago and no one had returned yet.
Emma alternated between anxiously wringing her hands together and running a hand through her hair as she replayed the memories of the incident in her head. How could I have let myself do something so stupid? Why wasn’t I more careful? Why didn’t I watch where I was going?
Emma felt like she could cry at any moment. She couldn’t believe how bad her first day was turning out to be. She had so wanted to make a good first impression today. She wanted people to like her and maybe she could even find a new friend here. But, she had blown it. She had spilled coffee on her new boss before she even had the opportunity to introduce herself. “I’m such an idiot” Emma mumbled into the room.
Emma thought about Jenny’s threat again. Is she really going to fire me? Emma wondered. Jenny had seemed so serious when she told Emma that it left little doubt in Emma’s mind that she would do it. Emma tried to hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes at the thought of being fired. Her life had been in shambles this last year. Her feelings of unworthiness and failure had grown like a disease inside her brain, overpowering any positive thoughts she had about herself. She had convinced herself that her life could never improve. But, then she had gotten this job here at the bank and suddenly everything didn’t seem so bleak. Now, she saw a way to dig herself out of this hole she was living in. The knowledge that she had scored a job in one of the most prestigious banks in Europe caused a shift inside of Emma. For the first time in over a year she began to think better of herself. She began to have hopes that things would turn around and she could be happy again. But now it all came tumbling down with the realization that Jenny would probably fire her. The negative thoughts were beginning to seep back inside of her no matter how hard she tried to keep them away. What will I do now if I get fired? Will I have to beg for my job back at SaalEins? Will I just become a deadbeat? Emma wiped away a stray tear that had fallen down her cheek. She didn’t want to even begin to fathom what she would do if she got fired. She needed to keep this job and she didn’t care if she had to beg for it. She wasn’t about to let the best thing that has happened to her for so long slip away; at least not without a fight.
Suddenly the door behind Emma made a creaking noise and she immediately whipped her head around. The door opened and Emma held her breath as she waited for the figure to come into the room. Emma’s heartbeat accelerated in her chest when she realized the figure was Jenny Hartmann. Emma waited with bated breath as Jenny closed the door behind her and turned to face Emma. An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. Emma noticed that the coffee was still splattered across Jenny’s suit. It made her heart beat impossibly faster. Emma saw Jenny cast her gaze across the room, unwilling to look at Emma. Does this mean she wants to fire me? Emma wasn’t entirely sure. But she figured it wasn’t a good sign that Jenny didn’t want to make eye contact. Maybe I should explain myself then. This might be my only shot before she makes her decision. Without waiting for Jenny to step any farther into the room Emma opened her mouth and began to apologize.
“I am so unbelievably sorry that I spilled coffee on you! It was a complete accident! I would never do that on purpose! I should have watched where I was going! It’s totally my fault! I will pay for a new suit. Just please don’t fire me! I-”
“Stop!” Jenny demanded with a shaky voice. Emma closed her mouth and looked uncertainly at Jenny. She saw for the first time since Jenny had come into the room that her eyes were trained on her. Emma noticed that the Jenny’s eyes held none of the fiery anger she had seen before. Instead, they seemed hesitant and shy. It made Emma even more uncertain. Why didn’t she look angry anymore? Emma bit her bottom lip nervously and dropped her gaze as Jenny walked farther into the room. As Jenny came closer to her Emma’s eyes returned to meet Jenny’s. Emma noticed that Jenny’s eyes were red and puffy and her makeup had disappeared. It looked like Jenny had been crying. Emma felt a wave of guilt. Did I make her cry? Emma was about to open her mouth again and try to explain herself but Jenny spoke up before she had the chance.
“You don’t need to apologize” Jenny croaked in a shaky voice. “I know it was an accident. I should be the one apologizing to you” Jenny continued as her voice turned into a shy whisper. “It was wrong of me to yell at you like that. You didn’t deserve it” Jenny inhaled deeply and braved a glance at Emma before dropping her gaze to the floor. “I can’t really give an excuse for my behavior. But, I just want you to know I am truly sorry for the way I treated you”.
Emma raised her eyebrow in surprise. She apologized to me? She didn’t yell at me? What does that mean? Emma couldn’t relax until she knew officially if she would be let go. It was still possible for Jenny to do that.
“So you’re not going to fire me?” Emma asked quietly.
The corners of Jenny’s mouth turned upwards in amusement. “No, I am not going to fire you”.
Emma breathed a sigh of relief. She felt her muscles relaxing and the bad thoughts dissipating from her mind. I get to keep my job. She isn’t going to fire me. Emma smiled at Jenny’s words. She was so happy that Jenny wasn’t going to fire her. She was amazed that Jenny even apologized too. She definitely hadn’t expected her to apologize when she walked in the door. Does this mean all is forgiven? Emma wondered.
“If you don’t mind I would like to start over and forget this morning. We can start from the beginning if you would like” Jenny continued.
“Ok, that sounds great!” Emma replied enthusiastically.
“Yeah? In that case,” Jenny said as she took a step forward and extended her hand, “My name is Jennifer Hartmann. I am your new boss”.
Emma’s smile widened and she eagerly accepted her hand, happy to play along with Jenny. “My name is Emma Muller. I am your new employee”. Jenny smiled and let go of Emma’s hand after she shook it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Emma. I look forward to working with you”.
“Likewise” Emma beamed.
“Why don’t I finally show you to your new desk and you can get started on your work” Jenny said as she made her way to the door.
“Ok” Emma replied shortly as she followed Jenny to the door. Maybe things won’t be so bad after all she thought.
-------------------------------------------------
After Jenny had apologized to Emma the tension seemed to dissipate between the two of them. The two girls made small talk as Jenny escorted Emma down several hallways to a large open space filled with rows of cubicles. Jenny had shown Emma her new cubicle where her desk would be and she would work. It was a tiny space, but Emma loved it. When they had arrived at Emma’s new desk Jenny had gone over a lot of things with Emma that Jasmin had not covered earlier that day. Jenny had described with greater detail exactly what Emma’s job would be at the company. Emma listened attentively and made sure to take notes on certain things that she might later forget. Before Jenny left she gave Emma several fake accounts to practice on to make sure she was doing the job correctly before she would start the real thing. Emma had been in deep thought for the last hour as she punched away at her calculator and filled in numbers in the correct spot on the sheet. She was so focused on the material in front of her that she didn’t notice the person who popped their head above the cubicle wall.
“You’re doing it wrong” the person said to her.
Emma jumped in her seat and looked up. “My goodness. You scared me!” she said.
“Sorry” the person replied.
Once Emma’s heart rate had slowed she took a better look at the person. It was a man with short brown hair and large thick-rimmed glasses. His eyes were slightly wide and he grinned at her sheepishly.
“Who are you?” Emma asked him with slight annoyance. She didn’t like that he had startled her and interrupted her focus.
The man grinned happily at Emma and with some difficulty extended his arm over the wall to introduce himself. “My name is Hotte”.
Emma shook the man’s hand. “I’m Emma” she replied politely.
“I know” Hotte exclaimed, his smile growing wider. “You’re the new girl who spilled coffee on the boss this morning”.
Emma’s jaw dropped, “How do you…?-” Emma began in shock.
“Know?” Hotte finished for her. Emma just nodded her head, too surprised to respond with words.
“One of the accountants on the third floor saw you” Hotte explained.
“Does word really travel that fast?” Emma questioned as she realized that she and Hotte were on the fifth floor.
“Pretty much. Everyone knows everyone’s business here”.
“Great” Emma said in resignation. People were already beginning to talk about her. This was definitely not how she wanted to start the first day of her new job.
“People even placed bets on you”.
“Bets?” Emma repeated in confusion.
“Yes, to see how long it would take for you to be fired. Usually if someone pisses off Jenny they get sacked pretty quickly. Since the man from the third floor said Jenny was livid at you everyone decided to bet on how long it would take before she fired you”.
“But, Jenny apologized to me. She said it wasn’t my fault”.
“Hmm” Hotte tisked as he shook his head.
“What?” Emma asked him.
“I’ve heard Jenny apologizes to everyone. She makes you think you’re forgiven and then bam! She lets you go when you least expect”.
Emma seemed to think Hotte’s words over. Was this true? Was Jenny just putting on an act when she apologized? Jenny’s apology had seemed so sincere to her though.
“I hear the majority are betting that you’ll last a week before the princess gives you the axe”
“The princess?”
“Jenny. Everyone calls her the princess”.
“Why?” Emma asked curiously.
“You’ll find out soon enough” Hotte said with a knowing smile.
Emma dropped her gaze to the sheets in front of her as she contemplated everything this man told her. She couldn’t believe that people in the office were betting on her. It caused an uneasy feeling to creep up inside of her. This day just kept getting worse and worse. How could people already be judging me when I haven’t even met them yet? What kind of people bet on their coworker’s termination from the company? Emma’s mood instantly plummeted again. She couldn’t believe how bad this day was turning out to be.
Hotte must have sensed how upset Emma was at his revelation because he tried to comfort her. “Hey, don’t feel too bad. Everyone makes bets on the newbies, it’s a way for us to pass the time. Don’t take it personally”.
“Hmm” Emma mumbled in response. Somehow, his words did little to ease the queasiness inside her.
“Look that is the reason I am offering to help you. You’re doing those accounts wrong and I thought I could give you some tips to get back in the good graces with the boss. It might be a good way to impress her”.
“How am I doing it wrong? This is how I was taught to do it” Emma said.
“The princess puts her own personal twist to it. It helps distinguish us from other banks” Hotte explained.
“Oh” Emma muttered. Does that really matter? Who cares if our accounts are organized differently than other banks? “How do I not know you’re just lying to me because you made a bet on me too?” Emma asked.
Hotte’s smile faltered and he lowered his eyes in disappointment. “I wouldn’t do that. I just want to help you. I don’t want you to be on Jenny’s bad side. There is nothing worse than that. She can make your life a living hell here”.
Emma mulled over Hotte’s words. He seemed pretty sincere. The expression on his face let Emma know he was being honest. So she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. What if Jenny really did want these accounts a certain way? It wouldn’t hurt to impress her. Besides if she is really is mad at me it will help me get back on her good side.
“Hey, listen, if I am wrong and Jenny yells at you all you have to do is tell her Hotte said this was the way to do it. That way you won’t get in trouble and it will be me instead” Hotte continued. Emma definitely liked that idea. She wouldn’t have to get in trouble with Jenny if he was lying.
“Alright” Emma relented. She figured it wouldn’t hurt to have him show her. Besides, the man seemed kind. Maybe he could end up being a friend to her in the future. “ Will you show me how to do it the way Jenny likes please?”
“Sure I can for a pretty girl like you!” Hotte said enthusiastically. Emma felt her cheeks burn crimson and she dropped her gaze to the desk. She heard Hotte shuffling behind the wall before she heard a knock behind her. Her cheeks were still too red for her to want to turn around. She figured it would be too embarrassing if Hotte saw her blushing from his words. The last thing I need right now is a boyfriend. Especially one who I work with. No, Emma needed to remain completely professional here. She wouldn’t risk her job for a relationship.
Emma felt Hotte pull a chair up next to her and sit down. He picked up the sheets on her desk and rifled through them for a moment. Finally, he spread them all out in front of her and pushed his glasses farther up the bridge of his nose. “Alright, let’s start from the beginning”.
TBC