chapter 47: marius's expectation

~marius~

       As few minutes after I get to my office, the CEO of ByteTech requests a video call so we can discuss the email I sent about Terrence. As soon as I accept, the CEO, Millicent, says, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me so we can get to the bottom of this. It's important to me that anyone we collaborate with is as comfortable as they can be, and I absolutely will not tolerate any of my employees making anyone feel uncomfortable."

       "Thank you," I say. 

       "Can you explain to me in detail what Terrence has said and did towards you and your husband?" Millicent asks.

       "Well, it started after I signed the contract," I say. "Terrence asked me out on a date, which I do not see any problem with it in and itself. But after I declined and told him I'm married, he told me that it hasn't stopped him before and what my husband doesn't know won't hurt him. I was just going to leave it, but then he ran into my husband in town and decided to tell him that I hooked up with him, which is far from the truth. My husband and I have a very strong sense of communication so he didn't believe Terrence, but he also didn't like being told that lie. Also, I'm not sure if this is relevant because it did happen about six years ago, but Terrence had slept with my husband's ex while they were married knowing well enough that he was married. It doesn't have to do with this situation, but it shows that there is a history between my husband and Terrence."

       "I am sorry to hear Terrence did that," Millicent says. "I hope this doesn't reflect the way you think of ByteTech overall because he definitely does not represent the entire company."

       "Of course not," I say. "The fact that you're willing to hear me out and try to think of a solution is more than enough for me to continue to have respect for both your company and the way you run it."

       "I appreciate it," Millicent says. "I will approve your request to have Terrence removed from any collaboration between your company and ours. I have another employee who is more than capable to lead the project on our side. I'll also have HR handle Terrence's behaviour since it can negatively impact our company in the end."

       "Thank you so much," I say. "I really appreciate you believing me and handling it efficiently."

       "Thank you for still wanting to give this collaboration a chance," Millicent says.

       We end the meeting, and I immediately text Fawn to let him know that Terrence is off the project so I'll no longer have to associate with Terrence in any way. I'm just glad Millicent was willing to work with me and took my word for it. Unfortunately, there are companies out there that let certain employees get away with so many things. I'm glad ByteTech isn't one of those companies.

       The rest of the work day goes smoothly and before I know it, I'm already making the drive back home. The moment I walk inside, Fern rushes over to me. "Poppa! Look!" she says. I don't think I've ever seen Fern so excited to show me something before.

       Fern grabs my hand and pulls me towards the living room before she sits down beside Fawn on the couch. She points to the bird perched on Fawn's finger, then she signs bird. Now I see why she's so excited. Fawn told me about the bird they rescued when they were cleaning up from the storm and how Fern really wanted to bring it home. "Is that the bird you rescued?" I ask.

       "Yeah," Fawn says. "Edna and I really tried to find its owner, but we couldn't so it either never had one to begin with or it was abandoned, but we're leaning towards the second one since this breed isn't native to BC."

       I sit down on the other side of Fawn. "So I assume we're keeping it?"

       "If that's okay," Fawn says.

       "Fawn, it's always okay whenever you bring home another animal," I say. "You know how to care for them and all of our pets are loved and cared for. And quite frankly, I was sort of expecting you to end up bringing this bird home if you couldn't find its owner. Besides, I don't ever think I've seen Fern so excited before."

       Fawn smiles as he looks at Fern, who's just happily looking at the bird. "Yeah, you're right. She was so happy when I brought it home. Fern, do you want to pick a name for the bird?"

       "Uh... Apple!" Fern says happily.

       "Apple is a perfect name for it," Fawn says, and I agree since it matches the name of Kiwi with a fruit theme. "Do you want to try holding Apple? You have to be very careful if you do." Fern nods excitedly, so Fawn teaches her how to hold out her finger so Apple can sit perched on top of it. Apple has no problem moving from Fawn's finger to Fern's, and Fern giggles when Apple is sitting on her finger.

       Harlow walks over, carrying our pet chinchilla who loves being held by Harlow. "Fern happy?" she asks.

       "Yeah, Fern is really happy," I say. 

       "I hungry," Harlow says.

       "I'll make dinner," I say, standing up from the couch.

       "Are you sure?" Fawn asks.

       I nod. "I know Fern will want to hold Apple more and it's best that you keep an eye on her since you're the animal person. I don't mind making dinner. Harlow, want to help Poppa make dinner?"

       "Otay!" Harlow puts Pixie on the ground before following me to the kitchen. Ever since Fawn and I moved in together a few years ago, I've become an even better cook since living together gives us the opportunity to cook together. Fawn no longer has to worry about me burning food, which I've done a lot when I was learning how to cook.

       Harlow is a huge help in the kitchen when it comes to preparing ingredients. I won't be surprised if she and Fern grow up to be a better cook than me since they've started helping out as soon as it became safe for them.

       Once dinner is ready, it takes me and Fawn a while to get Fern to come to the kitchen because she really wants to keep holding Apple. Fawn is able to come up with a solution by making sure Apple's cage is in eye sight from where Fern will be eating. Looking at Apple is enough to keep Fern happy.

       Fawn and I are just glad that Fern already has such a bond with Apple. Maybe it's something that will help keep her calm and happy.

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i wish i could have more animals but my dog has more than enough energy to make up for it. she is a MENACE.