When We Meet Again

Charlotte's resumption back to work was a surprise to everyone, especially Melvin who had thought she would take time to recuperate at home as advised by his mother. He had left home this morning and there wasn't any sign that she would be coming to work; she wasn't awake when he left. He wondered what made her resume back when her arm wasn't fully healed. He placed a call to his mother who told him she was the one who granted her permission to resume, but he still thinks staying at home for a few more days would be better.

Melvin wasn't the only one who thought that way. A lot of people did; they also thought she would be able to recuperate faster if she remained at home. But Charlotte did not think that way. The last five days she had spent, she sees it as a waste of time for her. Not only does she feel that work in the company especially her department had been put on hold and delayed because of her, but she was also tired of being at home most of the time alone.

Mia goes to school every morning and comes back in the evening. Her mother-in-law also leaves the house every morning to spend time with her friends leaving her with Mrs. Matt and Kate. Charlotte spent most of her time indoors alone and she felt bored. She felt better coming back to work; a life she was used to.

Walking into the office she was welcomed by Bella and the rest of the team. They were all very concerned about her health and she assured them that though her arm might not be completely healed, it was healed enough for her to go about her daily business. Charlotte's words put their minds at rest and they could go on with their daily routines.

"We need to have a meeting," Charlotte said after she had settled down. "It's going to be a brief one. You should go back to your post and get ready. Be back in thirty minutes. Bella get me a cup of coffee, please."

They left the office to get ready for the meeting as well as put their heads together on what to give their boss as a welcome-back gift. In the end, they came up with something nice.

"Miss Bethany, please place an order. We should be able to get them before the time for the minutes." Bella said. "Make use of express delivery. We will meet up in front of the office when everything is ready."

They returned to their work post to get ready while Bella went to the office with a cup of coffee for Charlotte. She quickly briefed Charlotte about what they wanted to do but did not tell her the gifts they would be giving. Charlotte could see through their good gesture and she appreciated their good thoughts; she wasn't expecting it.

Bella joined the rest outside the office and they walked into the office with the gifts; a welcome back card, a black teddy bear, and a cake.

"You should make a wish boss," Bella said.

Charlotte wondered what she could wish for. She stared at the faces of her teammates. Seeing how happy they were, she closed her eyes to make a simple wish; that her teammates remain happy at all times.

If her teammates are happy, they will do better at work and that will bring nothing but progress to the company; with this, Charlotte could not wish for more.

They had a few bites of cake and after that, they began their meeting. Charlotte started with good news.

"We got the contract from Mr. Joel," she announced.

Everyone was happy they did; they can now begin to work on a real estate project in full.

"We need to get to work as soon as possible. This meeting is just to inform you of the good news so we can all get ready to work. Bella, can you get me those papers on the table?" Bella nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

She took the papers from the table and handed them over to Charlotte.

"This is a brief note on what our client Mr. Joel wants. After the meeting, each of you will get a copy. Make sure to read it before our next meeting. Bella will hand it over at the end of the meeting." She handed the papers back to Bella before she continued to talk. "One more thing. We will be needing help from other departments. As we all know the project is a big one. We need all the help we can get. So, everyone should get ready to work with others."

The team members began to murmur. Charlotte could understand why they were murmuring; the members of all the departments don't get along with each other.

"I hope we can put our differences aside and work together," Charlotte said.

"Do we have to work with them?" Bella asked.

Charlotte nodded. "Yes. It's a big project but the time frame is short. We must make sure this project is a success to get a bigger one from him. To do that, all hands must be on deck. We need to get all the help we can get." Bella sighed. "I guess we have to get along with the others."

The team members nodded in agreement. Seeing that they were all on the same page, Charlotte continued. "I will speak to the heads of the department we will be working with and then have a meeting with them before calling for a general meeting. We as a team will meet up before the general meeting. You should get ready. Is there any question?".

When they indicated that they had none, Charlotte dismissed them.

"Ma'am, I am so happy we got the contract from Mr. Joel," Bella said after she had seen the team members out.

"I am happy too," Charlotte replied.

"How was your dinner with him, yesterday?"

"It was fine. We talked mostly about work and just briefly about my arm. He asked a few questions about the project. I did not expect him to grant me the contract at the dinner. But I am happy he did. He gave me the contract to go home with yesterday. I am to go through it, in case there is any adjustment and I already did that. We will be going over to his company to sign the contract officially."

"I said it. I knew that is one of the reasons you returned to work."

Charlotte smiled. "You know me too well. Do we have any meetings today?"

"No, ma'am. I haven't scheduled any."

Charlotte sighed. "Then you should go get ready. We will leave in an hour."