FALSE Clairvoyance

The Unusual Offer

Shelyn and Koke stand beside each other amongst the congregation of co-workers awaiting a special announcement from the boss. The pair exchanges nervous glances and smiles amidst the murmurs and an occasional giggle or two escaping the group every after several seconds. Tall Mary and the junior accountant aren't the only quiet ones but too is Robert who stands in front of his fellows as if warming the podium for Mary. The former regularly steals glimpses at the colleague with whom he manages the company's accounts but Koke is oblivious to the other accountant's attention.

If he isn't checking into his phone as constantly as possible, he's taking the glance bait from the delivery chick on his left. The manager's arrival from her office down to the lower floor sucks all the attention towards her figure that descends the last steps, bringing with it the respect-laced silence within the simple gathering.

Once she stops a step past Robert, she nods towards him, flashing the bloke a warm smile before composing herself to face the rest. Her countenance bears friendliness masked by authority prior to the offer of her signature smile that she sends to her associates. "Good morning everyone. Thanks for taking time off your schedules for this arrangement." Her eyes scan the listeners. "As most of you know, I managed to compile the final report on duties and the economic status of Bob's delivery service for the first quarter of the year. I'm glad to announce that we are still positive and leading the way in this region when it comes to service delivery or delivery service." Another simple smile tauts her sweet lips as she nods to the statement, her focus moving ever so constantly as if to check for any doubts emanating off the several visages following her presentation.

"By the end of today, each of you will have received an email with an attachment of the report for more details. In case of any comments, my office is open. Thanks for your audience but as you all know, we got to give a round of applause before we all get back to our positions." Immediately after her last statement, the clapping begins and all the workers join their hands in effort. As the plaudit goes ahead, all of the participants switch their attention towards Koke, his immediate neighbour inclusive.

The guy's expression gets uneasy whilst his focus makes several turns in various directions, acknowledging the many light expressions coming his way from most of the colleagues. He glances at Shelyn who only tilts her head a bit as she and the others continue with the appreciation. His hand movements slow down and his next look heads for Mary and Robert, their grins and applause as alive as a fast-beating heart.

The manager raises her hand in gesture, the hand claps coming to a gradual halt. Her eyes, as well as those of the rest swiftly return to the junior accountant prior to her next announcement, her relentless smile precedent. "Mr. Koke must be asking himself why everyone is looking at him. Hello there Mr Koke, the report announcement was a trick though the report itself is ready but, I suppose you know that the applause we just made was for the best worker in the first quarter of the year! Congratulations to you Mr. Koke. You're Bob's best employee and for that reason, let's do it again with your full knowledge about the privilege."

The claps resonate again, the junior accountant this time around touching his chest and nodding once in appreciation. This round doesn't last as long as the first one and the approbation stops at once. Probably for the first time, his co-workers get the chance to witness his smile. He shares it with Shelyn first, jestingly poking her shoulder before she puts her hands up in surrender with the same aura. She offers her hand to shake the dude's, quietly congratulating him and patting his shoulders.

Others follow suit, each at least shaking his hand in congrats as they return to their desks. The senior accountant, who comes second last, rounds his relatively huge arms around Koke, gently squeezing the latter's smaller frame before patting the back of his shoulder. "That's my brother right there! Winning it for our department for the very first time! You know that makes me so proud." As the guy still shakes Koke's hand while softly pressing at the fellow accountant's shoulder, he glances between the lad of the moment and their manager who's close to them awaiting her turn to appreciate the best worker.