HE ROSE AGAIN

Chapter 007

As Lamar started his first day on the job, he diligently began to perform his duties. He started by collecting trash from the various offices and common areas, carefully emptying the bins, and replacing the trash bags. With a mop and bucket in hand, he moved on to cleaning the floors, scrubbing away any stains or spills he encountered.

However, his efforts were constantly met with criticism and additional tasks from Mr. Andrew and other unsympathetic individuals in the Empire. Mr. Andrew would often scold Lamar for not working fast enough or for missing spots while cleaning. He would pile on more tasks before Lamar had even finished the ones he was already assigned.

As Lamar was cleaning Mr Andrew’s office floors, Mr. Andrew approached with a scowl on his face. "Lamar, what do you think you're doing? You missed a spot over there!" he barked, pointing to a small smudge near the entrance.

Lamar hurriedly apologized, "I'm sorry, sir. I'll take care of it right away."

But before he could even finish wiping off the smudge, Mr. Andrew interrupted, his voice dribbling with disdain. "And why are you moving so slowly? We don't have all day for you to clean one measly spot. Pick up the pace!"

Lamar nodded, his heart sinking with each harsh word. "Yes, sir. I'll work faster," he replied, trying to suppress the frustration that was building inside him.

Just as Lamar was about to finish cleaning the spot, Mr. Andrew returned with a stack of papers in hand. "Since you seem to have so much free time, here's another job for you. Make sure these documents are filed by the end of the day," he ordered, dumping the papers onto Lamar's already full hands.

Feeling overwhelmed, Lamar struggled to keep up. "But sir, I haven't finished cleaning yet," he protested weakly.

Mr. Andrew's eyes narrowed, his tone harsh. "That's not my problem. Just get it done, or there will be consequences," he warned before walking away, leaving Lamar feeling defeated and demoralized.

Despite his best efforts to keep up, Lamar found himself overwhelmed and exhausted. He would rush from one task to another, trying to meet the unreasonable jobs placed upon him. Even when he thought he had completed a task satisfactorily, he would be met with complaints.

The workload became unbearable for Lamar as he struggled to keep up with the demands of his bosses. He felt like he was about to die. with each new chore feeling more daunting than the last.

Eventually, Lamar was able to do all the jobs given to him. And when he wanted to catch his breath, Mr. Andrew yelled his name.

“Lamar!

Weakly he rushed to his office scared of the next action or job he was going to get.

*********************

As Lamar entered Mr. Andrew's office, his heart was pounding with fear, scared of what awaited him. Before he could even speak, Mr. Andrew's hand connected with his cheek in a resounding slap.

"Lamar!" Mr. Andrew roared, his face twisted with anger. "You think you can waste time ignoring me?"

Lamar stumbled back, his cheek stinging from the blow. "I-I came as soon as I heard my name, sir," he stuttered, trying to explain.

But Mr. Andrew's rage only intensified. He delivered another harsh slap, cutting off Lamar's attempt to speak. "Don't make excuses, Lamar! You're here to work, not to waste my time!"

Feeling the sting of both the physical and verbal attack, Lamar fought back tears as he tried to recover from the slap. But his hopes were scrambled as Mr. Andrew pointed to a pile of books on his desk.

"Look at this mess! You call this a job well done?" Mr. Andrew sneered, his eyes blazing with contempt. "Redo it, and this time, get it right!"

With a heavy heart, Lamar obediently picked up the books, his mind swirling with doubt and uncertainty. A tear rolled down his cheek, making him question if his efforts were all in vain. Was everything Mr. James had told him just a lie? Lamar didn't know if he was going to survive the overwhelming workload and constant criticism. The job and its treatment weren't what he had expected.

Lazily, he finished it up. Mr. Andrew wanted to complain but seeing that Lamar was about to pass out, he allowed him to go. He didn't want him to die in his hands. In his eyes, Lamar was a bad omen to his family.

Lamar prayed silently that no one would send him on an errand because he would definitely pass out.

He waited for a while, at his corner, and when he didn't get any call, he decided to proceed to the Empire’s cafe. Lamar was hungry and if he didn't eat something he might join his parents.

AT THE CAFE……

Feeling famished after a long and challenging workload, Lamar made his way to the nearby cafe. His stomach growled with hunger as he entered the quiet eatery.

As Lamar settled into his seat, he noticed the waiter, Kelvin, approaching with a friendly smile. "Good evening, sir. What can I get for you?" Kelvin asked kindly.

Lamar's spirits lifted at Kelvin's friendly approach. "I'll have the pasta and beef, please, with a glass of cold orange juice," he replied gratefully.

As Kelvin went to fetch Lamar's order, Lamar noticed the waitress casting him a disdainful glance from across the counter. Ignoring her judgmental stare, Lamar eagerly awaited his meal.

Soon, Kelvin returned with Lamar's food and drink, setting them down with a smile. "Here you go, sir. Enjoy your meal," he said cheerfully before heading back to attend to other customers.

As Lamar dug into his delicious meal, his mood straightened up. Between bites, he caught sight of Ella entering the cafe. So, he Gestured for her to join him. Lamar felt happy seeing Ella. He made a mental note to get very close to Ella, she actually looked sincere, and she might be his ticket to getting some of the information he needed.