No where to go but up

Chapter three - No where to go but up

Sebastian led the group of employees into the conference room. He flipped the light switch and made his way to the front of the oval table. When he turned around everyone piled in, grabbing the next available seat. Some had to stand.

Sebastian gulped, and wiped his sweaty palms against the side of his pants. No one saw.

Valerie was the last one to enter. Her arms crossed as she leaned against the closed door. She took a quick glance at Tyson who stood to the side of the room.

Tyson looked away.

What are you doing, Seb?

"This isn't how I wanted the first day to go," Sebastian said.

"You really don't have to explain nothing, sir. It's really none of our business." said Dale. "And if this is about us listening in on that conversation - I think it's safe to say we're all sorry, and it wasn't intentional. We barely heard anything."

There was a mumble of agreement throughout the room.

"I still feel this needs to be said. It'll make things a lot easier."

Tyson stepped forward, "Seb, drop it."

"No, if we're gonna all be working together, it's important that we understand what everyone is going through. It's the only logical way to understand someone's behavior, right? So, yeah! This is a great idea... lets go around the room, and share."

Sebastian surveys the room, "no one? Okay, I'll go first."

"Valerie, back there, is my ex-wife. We got married when we were 20 and had a wonderful six years and have a beautiful baby girl."

Audrey glanced at Valerie, and shifted in the chair.

Sebastian continued, "Our divorce was kinda nasty, because Valerie has communication issues. It seems like we just can't get along. And that conversation we were having in the break room, is an extension of that. Nothing more to it."

There was an awkward silence.

"Anyone else want to share?" Sebastian asked. "Perfect, Matthew! What did you want to say?"

Mathew lowered his arm down and repositioned it back across his chest "it didn't sound like a fight."

"Alright this is enough," Tyson stepped forward again.

Sebastian stretched his arm out, "Let him finish,"

"What it sounded like to me is a creeper harassing a young lady and now can't handle rejection."

Snickers traveled the room. Sebastian took a deep breath and clenched his jaw.

"You don't know the full story,"

"I think I know enough. She told me about it earlier. She was mature about it too. And now after listening to your side... It's clear where the problem lies."

Sebastian looked at Valerie. Her arms crossed, her dark brown eyes unwavered.

"Wow, so the witch does communicate. Just not to her husband."

"Ex- husband," Matthew added.

"Seb, this is getting outta hand. Everyone get back to your work. Forget about this whole thing," Tyson said.

"You're fired,"

Tyson's eyes darted to Sebastian who was glaring at Matthew.

Valerie, for the first time, shuffled. The room lost its air .