"Oh my. You two have really out done yourselves. I greatly appreciate it." I gave them a small smile before setting the cane back in the box.
"So when will my assistant be here?" I regained my posture and sternness as I awaited an answer.
"She'll be here in about 30 minutes. We'll send her down to your office after we run her through everything. Sound good?"
I simply nodded before picking up the box and walking back to my office. I continued the work I had started earlier before glancing at the clock realizing my new assistant was supposed to show up almost an hour ago. I scoffed and got up from my chair before walking through the hallways trying to see where she would be.
I heard some commotion coming from the hall where the advertising department is. I heard some laughs and degrading terms before hearing a soft voice cry out.
"Stop! Give it back! I need that!"
I rounded the corner and saw a petite girl holding onto the wall as she reached towards one of the men who works in advertising. I glanced towards him and saw him holding a cane, waving it around in her face. I stiffened up slightly shocked but angered as well.
"I know you do you crippled bitch but what are you going to do about it? Take it from me? Go ahead I wanna see you try." He held it out towards her and she took a step forward to grab it but he yanked it away right as her hand began to wrap itself around it head of the cane.
Due to the sudden movement she fell to her knees with a pained cry which made me snap out of my frozen state. I walked a little closer to them before banging my cane against the ground thrice to catch his attention. He stood there like a deer in headlights before backing away from the young woman slowly.
"Uh uh. Ms. Venable, what can I do for you?" He slowly set the cane up against the wall before gulping nervously.
"You can help this young lady up off of the floor, hand her cane back to her, then pack your shit up and leave before you're fired." Even though my sentence was calm he could see the fire in my eyes so he moved quick.
After he helped her up and fled the scene I walked over to her cautiously, not wanting to scare her anymore.
"Are you alright little one?" I stood in front of her, practically towering over her as she wiped the tears from her face and positioned her cane under her in a comfortable manner.
"I believe so. This is a horrible way to make a first impression but, I'm Mariah your mew assistant. I'm sorry you had to see that." Her voice shook as she gathered her emotions before looking up at me with a small smile on her face. Her hazel eyes still held tears and her loose sandy brown curls framed the side of her face imitating bangs as the rest was gathered into a low bun behind her head. She was truly a sight for sore eyes.
"It's alright. I'm far too familiar with the insults and bullying that comes with having a disability." I shifted on my feet before offering her my arm. She wrapped her hand around and soon after we began walking towards my office.
"You can have a seat in front of my desk. Jeff and Mutt haven't gotten you a desk yet so you'll be working alongside me. I hope that's alright."
"That's perfectly fine Ms. Venable." Her voice had finally grown in volume but it still carried a softness and sweetness to it and it was all brought together with the smallest southern accent.
She left my side and walked over to the chairs in front of my desk before sitting down slowly. I stayed in my place just to make sure she was alright before waking around my desk and sitting down. I let my cane lean against my desk as I clasped my hands together setting them in my lap as I leaned back.
"So Mariah, tell me about yourself."
"Well um, I'm 24. I'm originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I'm currently in college for architecture and design. I'm only 5'1, obviously very tiny as you can see and I have scoliosis and a leg length discrepancy, my right leg is 2 inches shorter than my left which is why I need my cane." Towards the end of her little rant her voice became heavy with emotion again, an emotion I knew all too well.
"Well just know that you're not alone. I have scoliosis as well so if anyone ever bothers you again let me know and I'll deal with them accordingly." I assured her in a gentle but stern voice.
"It's fine Ms. Venable. He was the only one giving me trouble and its been happening since childhood. I just never expected to see him again." She clarified but I didn't care.
"Nonsense. If anyone gives you anymore trouble you tell me and that's an order. Understood?" I challenged whilst raising my eyebrow at her. She looked down at her lap shyly before nodded.
"I understand Ms. Venable."
"Please, call me Mina. We're practically one in the same."
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word count 1420
|| This was long but I wrote this in one sitting because I didn't want to lose my idea 🥴 I hope this was okay and if a part 2 is wanted just let me know||
One In The Same || Wilhemina Venable
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