To Saliha x
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You're alive. You're breathing. You're safe. You've got no excuse to not make today better than yesterday.
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'Necesito tiempo.' (I need time) Bela grits her teeth. This man keeps saying the same thing over and over again for God's sake! I'm losing it. Either you take it or leave it.
'Usted ha tenido suficiente tiempo Sir.' (You've had enough time Sir) She replies with a smile in place. Bela finally understand why Talha loses his patience over such people. She could never comprehend his cold demeanor towards innocent and inquisitive clients' but now she gets it. And she's angry. The man scratches his bald head and plays with his overgrown mustache.
'No sé qué decirte.' (I don't know what to tell you) Bela struggles to maintain her composure. I swear Talha deserves an award for doing this day in and day out.
'Sir-' he raises his hands in surrender. He's been offering one excuse after another. Ever since Bela found out that the Jabir corporation is the sole producer of plastic to two different continents, she's increased in her zeal and passion to make this company blossom. Of course she did her research prior to applying but never did she think she'd have to deal with clients on a one on one basis.
'Norman what time is our next client in at?' Bela inquires. The Spanish man before frowns at her, he knows that this woman isn't playing games. He's stalling for time.
'We're done for the day, Ma'am.'
'Really?'
'Yes Ma'am.'
'Bela. It's Bela Norman.' She smiles genuinely at the old man. He nods in acknowledgement.
'Are you trying to chase him off?' The translator's eyes widen and she bites her lip. She couldn't possibly talk about her client who doesn't speak a word of English while he stares at her with a worried look. Mr. Carlos fishes out his phone and begins texting rapidly.
'Norman.' She says warningly.
'Just checking.' He chuckles whilst standing at the other end of the table. 'If it makes you feel any better I think Mr. Jabir is on his way.' Surprisingly this made Bela feel worse.
'What?' Her tone shoots up an octave. The Spanish man looks even more concerned now. He has no idea what she has in mind.
'Está todo bien?' (Is everything okay?) Bela nods in the affirmative. If only he knew!
'Si si! Continua, continua!' (Yes yes! Carry on, carry on) 'Norman tell me you're joking.'
'No Bela, I am not.' He points at the Bluetooth plugged to his ear.
'How come? I thought he was at the hospital!'
'Well he's on his way up now.' Norman chuckles. Of course he finds this funny.
'I can't believe this.' Bela lifts her glasses and rubs her eyes.
'Quiero 5 contenedores.' (I want 5 containers) Bela's attention is back at the troubled Mr. Carlos.
'Estás seguro?' (Are you sure?) She raises an eyebrow at him. Have my theatrics made him forget his critical thinking? Nonetheless she pushes the document towards him to sign. As she watches him scribble on the signature line, she can't help but feel relieved. She sealed two deals so far. The previous client insisted she wanted three containers of plastic for a Fashion runway in Australia. Mr. Carlos was providing for a school in Mali. Why the former needed plastic is beyond her but she isn't complaining. Talha better be happy about this. Norman inches closer to Bela as he notices the meeting coming to an end.
