Teenage Strife: The CEO'S Mistake

Knock! Knock! Knock! The sound echoed continuously in a disturbing manner. Michelle stood up from her bed, grinning and mumbling to herself half-awake. She unlocked the door and turned the doorknob to make entrance for the person to come in. It was her younger brother, Roland, who entered the room.

"Good morning, sister," he greeted.

"Morning, little bro. How was your night?"

"Pleasant," he replied.

"I came to know why you're still in bed when you're supposed to be awake by now," Roland said.

Michelle glanced at her alarm clock, now fully awake.

"Don't bother staring at the clock. You probably forgot to set it before going to bed. It's half past eight."

"Really! I never realized..."

"I was even thinking that you are still in bed because of your health since you complained about being achy yesterday," he interrupted, not allowing her to finish her sentence.

"Thanks. You're such a darling. I feel much better now," she said.

"Then you have to hurry up."

"Okay," she replied mindlessly.

Roland left her room as she began to undress for her morning bath and cleaning.

*

*

"Good morning, Mum," Michelle greeted her mother, Mrs. Arrowhood, curtseying a little as she made her way into the kitchen.

"Morning, dear. Hope you slept well?"

"Yeah! Very well, Mum. Any assistance I can render?" she asked after replying to her mother.

"Oh! Nothing. I've finished with the cooking and cleaning."

"Mum, we will be resuming school in two days," Michelle said, ignoring what her mum said earlier.

"Yes, I remember, and I've made the necessary shopping arrangements to get you the needed items for the new term today," she replied.

"Alright, Mum. Permission to visit Daisy at her place today?" she added.

"Yes, you may, but be careful on your way and make sure you don't stay long."

"Thanks, Mummy," she said happily, appreciating her mother with a warm hug.

Mother and daughter left the kitchen as each of them prepared for the day's activities.

"Lest I forget, I have a surprise for..." Mrs. Arrowhood uttered, unable to complete what she had to say when Roland, who had been paying less attention to the conversation, interrupted, asking if their father was returning from his trip that day.

"Little bro! You're too rude to cut Mum short while she's talking. You didn't even let me hear what she wanted to say," Michelle shouted.

"I've always told you not to call me little bro again. For God's sake, I'm twelve," he feigned anger.

"Big boy, my foot!" Michelle replied mockingly.

"You can as well leave my son alone. You did more than that when you were his age. I can say you just started using your manners," Mrs. Arrowhood intervened.

"Stop taking sides with him, Mum! You'll spoil him at this rate."

"That aside... I'll rather be on my way. It's getting late," she replied, getting ready to leave the house.

"What about breakfast?" Michelle asked.

"You'll find it on the dining table. I'm sure you'll like it. Your favorite," she smiled.

"And the surprise?" Roland asked again, raising his voice a little more.

"You'll get to know later in the day."

"Okay, Mum! Buy me some snacks on your way back even if sister Mich is not interested," he said, eyeing his sister coldly.

"I've heard you; you eat all day, yet it never shows in you. Thank God you've put on some weight during this holiday," his mother said, looking back at him.

"Mama's food working," he joked.

"Goodbye, Mummy! Have a nice day!" Michelle called after her mother, seeming not to care about her brother and his babyish acts.

"God knows when he'll change," she murmured as she sat at the dining table for her breakfast.

Michelle finished her meal in no time, and after washing the dishes, she set out to visit her friend, having been granted permission to do so. She bade Roland goodbye and instructed him to take care of himself and the house since he had nowhere to go. She was confident he would find something to do, maybe sleeping or playing video games until everyone returned.

Michelle was a tall, young girl of fourteen. She was slender with long eyelashes, thick black eyebrows, and long black hair. A very smart, determined, beautiful, morally upright, and well-mannered girl whose temper was exceedingly unbearable. She got angry at the slightest issue and could talk back to anyone when she was angry, no matter who they were. Whenever she didn't have the chance to express herself, she would break down and cry. A human so abstruse.

Unlike Michelle, her friend Daisy was a tall, slightly plump girl with small eyes, a round-shaped face, big cheeks, and long legs. Her complexion could be confusing in that she wasn't fair but wasn't dark either. The only things she had in common with Michelle were the long legs, height, age, and complexion. She was also beautiful, but Michelle's beauty was much greater than hers. They had been close friends since childhood when they attended the same elementary school and were paired together during class and school activities. Back then, she was the only one who knew how to handle Michelle's temperamental attitudes and actions.

"Daisy!" Michelle shouted from a distance as she saw her friend sitting on the corridor of their house.

"Mich!" Daisy exclaimed. "You didn't even call to tell me you were coming."

"Just wanted to surprise you, babe." The duo hugged each other happily as they checked each other out.

"I've really missed you."

"Same here."

"How's everyone, and the stubborn boy?" Daisy asked.

"We are all fine."

"What brings the sugar girl to my house today?"

"Oh my! You are really offending me. Is this my first time visiting?"

"Are you really angry? I was just joking."

"That joke was too expensive," Michelle said, pretending to be angry.

"Stop feigning anger. One could tell you're just acting. So it's better you stop. This is not a film studio or theatre," Daisy joked.

"Yeah! That's the typical me," Michelle said.

"Whatever. Let's go in, or would you prefer to sit outside?" Daisy offered.

"As your ladyship pleases."

"You're not serious," Daisy said, playfully knocking her friend on the head.

They made their way into the beautifully colored mansion of the Coles' as they gisted each other about how they spent their holiday which was about to end.

By evening, Michelle informed Daisy that she was ready to leave since her mum had instructed her not to be late.

"Why so soon?" Daisy queried, raising her eyebrows.

"I have to obey Mum's instructions. Besides, Roland is the only one at home."

"Okay, I'll walk you. Let's get going," Daisy sighed.

Amidst smiles, they both stood up and started walking down the road that led to Michelle's house-the Arrowhoods' residence, six streets away from Daisy's.

For a while, they didn't say anything to each other, seeming to enjoy the silence between them. Michelle continued to think about how the day went and everything they talked about until Daisy broke the silence by clearing her throat.

"What is it?" Michelle asked, holding Daisy's hand.

"Well... I saw Richard the other day," Daisy said, and Michelle laughed, thinking she was pulling her leg.

"I'm serious. He asked about you, and I told him you're doing just fine. He sent his regards." Daisy's tone was serious, and Michelle realized she needed to take her words seriously too. Nothing was completely impossible in this small world.

"Did he say anything more?" Michelle asked, feeling nervous.

"He didn't say anything more. You know, typical Richie..." Daisy paused and continued while Michelle listened intently, picking up every word.

"But with the way he talked, I think he has plans for the new term. I guess he only asked about you to know if you will still attend the school or make a change since it's the beginning of a new session and we are just about to begin senior high education," Daisy added.

Michelle turned her head sharply towards her, looking frightened.

"Trust me, Mich, I didn't relay any information about it," Daisy said immediately, scared that Michelle might get angry at her since that was something she did whenever it suited her.

Michelle's face looked gloomy, clearly showing she was exceedingly worried. Daisy saw the effect of her words, which was nothing new to her and was likely the reason she hadn't brought up the topic earlier. If it had been something else, she wouldn't have delayed unless she forgot, which was rare.

"You don't have to wear that face. You've always been putting up with him and doing well," Daisy comforted her.

Forcing a smile, Michelle replied, telling her it was nothing and that she was okay. Truly, she couldn't say she was okay as her thoughts were filled with wonder about what the boy was up to this time.

"Don't let your guard down. I'm rooting for you, okay?" Daisy placed her hand on Michelle's shoulder, assuring her that she had little to worry about.

Michelle nodded slightly, hugged her, and bid her goodbye. "It's okay. I'll do better. Goodnight!" she waved, trying to put up a smile.

"Goodnight, dear! We shall meet in school," Daisy replied. They stared at each other for a while without saying a word and then parted ways, still waving at each other.

After the long walk, Michelle finally got home safely. To her surprise, Roland was waiting for her at the door.

"Finally, big sister is back," he announced joyfully, running over to hug her as she stepped into the compound.

"What's wrong with him?" she wondered, though she reciprocated his hug. They might be the best fighters in the house, but they loved each other dearly. In fact, he was the one thing she couldn't trade for anything, not just him but her whole family.

"I thought you were angry at me. You did not say a word when I bade you goodbye earlier," she teased him, but he didn't show a slight sign of anger.

"I can only get upset at you, but you're still the sister I love," he said, holding her hand and swinging it in the air.

"Big head, you're not serious." She hit his head playfully. Roland signaled her to bring her ear closer, and she answered. She bent her head to his height since she was a bit taller than he was.

"Big brother is around," he whispered. Michelle wasn't expecting that from him. If her big brother were coming home, he would have told her in advance.

"Stop joking around. No one is expecting him home today."

"I'm serious, but if you think it's a joke, go in and see for yourself."

"Bro Des!" she ran into the house, calling for her brother Desmond, the first and oldest child of the family. If he was really back, he would answer her call, and she heard his response. "Little sis! I'm back."

There he was, standing in the living room with his arms open wide for a bear hug. She ran into his arms, and he embraced her, rubbing her head slightly as a mother would do to her baby-a habit she loved between them.

"I missed you a lot. You didn't even call to tell me you would arrive today. I wouldn't have stayed out that long if I knew." She paused and continued in a rush, not giving him a chance to answer.

"Anyway, when did you come back? I know it's today, but what time? What did you bring for me? And when are you going back?" She couldn't contain her joy. Having him around was something she always craved whenever he was absent.

"Sister Mich!" Roland screamed, "One question at a time! Don't you think that's too much?"

"Leave her, Roly. She's always been my little girl. I arrived not long ago." Desmond dragged her to sit beside him on the sofa. He placed his arm across her shoulder as she rested her back on the chair.

"You are still as beautiful as ever," he said, and she smiled.

"God's blessings. You didn't change either. Still handsome as ever," she winked at him, and he chuckled.

"I heard you went to Daisy's today. She must have missed you the whole while," he said, changing the topic.

"A lot!"

While the conversation was going on, the doorbell rang. Little Roland went to check who it was. Happily, he squealed that Mum was back. Sometimes, the way he acted made Michelle think he was still a five-year-old kid, but he wasn't.

"My little darling! How was your day? Hope you enjoyed it?" their mum said as she returned from her outing. Normally, she would be coming from her supermarket or one of her stores, but Michelle didn't know where exactly she went today.

"Where is your brother?" she asked again, not allowing Roland to answer her previous question.

"Do you mean bro Des?"

"Yes! Or do you have another?" she stopped at the door for a while as Roland held onto her hand.

"How did you know he's back?" he asked her.

"He called ahead and said I shouldn't tell you. That was the surprise I had for you this morning."

"I guessed right then," Roland clung to her as they made their way into the living room.

"Good evening, Mum. I'm home," Desmond greeted calmly.

"How are you, Desmond?"

"I'm fine as usual."

"That's my boy! You're looking more masculine," Mum complimented.

Michelle stood with her arms akimbo beside her mum, acting like she was jealous. She wanted her mum to pay attention to her too.

"Mum! It's not fair. I went out today, and you're asking after the boys alone. What about me? You ought to ask about my outing."

"I was about to ask before you started rehearsing your speech!" Mum teased.

"Don't mind her. She's just being Mummy's girl," Desmond interrupted.

"Are you jealous?" Michelle asked, sticking her tongue out.

"Why would I be? I'm no longer a kid like you are," he responded, grinning at her.

"But to Mum, you will always remain her kid," she said defensively. One habit about her was that she didn't back down in an argument, especially when she felt she had a point to defend.

"Mum, I'm famished. What's for dinner?" little Roland asked. Michelle knew well that he didn't want her to bicker with bro Des, else time would be far spent unless big bro didn't reply to her.

"What would you like to eat?" Mum asked, directing the question to them all.

"Anything would do," they replied in unison, looking at one another. Then she headed to the kitchen to cook for the family after freshening up. Gently, Michelle followed behind her. She couldn't be left out of the cooking task.

The Coles' mansion was beautifully illuminated at night. Every member of the family gathered in the dining room to enjoy the readily served dinner. The room remained silent until Daisy's younger brother Brian broke the silence by informing their parents of Michelle's visit.

"I guess my girl had a lot of fun today," their father said.

"She had more than fun. I was left out and bored." Daisy glared at him to shut him up, but he continued. "I could have joined them, but they were too girlish." Brian whispered to his dad, who choked on his food while laughing at his son's statement.

"Cole, I've always told you to stop indulging these children, yet you keep doing so." Mrs. Cole poured a little water into a glass cup from a jug for her husband.

"I'm sorry, Claire, it was just so funny," he apologized. He then faced Brian and told him not to worry. "You'll be making new friends in school too. I'm sure you'll get yourself a very good one like your sister's," Cole said, more or less comforting his son, and Brian nodded.

They all kept talking except Daisy, who was thinking about what she could do to help Michelle avoid Richard in the new session. Suddenly, she asked a question.

"Mum, what could be the possible reason for a boy bullying a girl? They have the same potential, and they don't know each other before they met in school."

Claire looked up at Cole, surprised by their daughter's question.

"Well, he might have a personal grudge or a reason for that," she answered.

"He might as well be jealous of her," Cole suggested. Daisy nodded her head sideways, doubting her father's suggestion.

"Is anything bothering you?" her parents asked.

"Nothing much. Just wondering," she replied, but they didn't believe her.

Brian stared at his sister for what looked like minutes and then spoke. "He might as well like her."

"What?" Daisy and her parents gasped, each opening their food-filled mouths halfway. They had not expected such a comment from a boy as young as Brian.

*

*

Shortly after dinner, everyone retired to their respective rooms. Michelle lay on her bed, brooding with her pillow in her arms as she recalled the memories of the third and final academic year, the most difficult time for her in junior high school when her relationship with Richard turned for the worst.

Michelle had known Richard at the beginning of her first academic year in junior high. Initially, she wasn't very social, so they didn't get along much. She never associated much with her classmates because of her temper, except for Daisy. She loved being alone in her world of imagination, out of fear that she might offend many people with her seemingly strange actions, which no one would understand. Whenever she had to communicate with anyone not too close to her, she talked less and rather looked away. This made her classmates think she was rude, aggressive, full of herself, and snobbish. Only Daisy understood what she was avoiding and tried to ameliorate the situation, but was never successful.

Richard had joined the school late and, unfortunately, was in her class. As the whiz kid that she was, he tried making friends with her, but she never cared about it. Whenever they argued, it always turned into an altercation, as she never wanted to back down or submit to his ideas, some of which were nasty and naughty.

Slowly, they became acquainted with each other but only in class. He studied her every move and action, then he found out that her likely weakness was her temper. At least, he thought so. He started frustrating her by picking on her every chance he got. Overnight, he turned into her bully. All along, she cared less and tried her best to avoid him, but the last year in junior high was the most torturous for her.

Things only became more complicated. Then, she had a final exam and an entrance exam to write but couldn't concentrate and also had to indulge in aberrant behaviors punishable by the school laws, which unconsciously became her habit.

Richard tormented her in so many ways that she couldn't avoid. It was like a battle she was destined to fight because every time she reported him to the school authority, and he was punished, he would only stop for a while and then devise another method of getting back at her, which hurt her even more, especially emotionally.

Making the whole situation unbearable for her, Richard made every single classmate of theirs speak badly of her to her face and behind her back. Even some crimes she knew nothing of were alleged against her. She became the subject of little gossip, something she dreaded so badly.

She had wanted to tell her mom but couldn't. She knew the lengths her mom would go for her over the matter but was scared it would only make things worse, as Richard was not the type to give up his plans easily. After all, Michelle was the only Arrowhood in the whole country. Just a word and things were done. But Richard was not the type of person that could be controlled by mere orders. Once his mind was set on doing something, he never listened to anyone.

Flashing back to one of the terrible incidents that made her despise Richard, Michelle recalled when he spilled greasy oil on her school uniform. When he soiled her clothes, she reported him to a teacher because she didn't want to portray the image of a nuisance. The teacher followed her to the class to investigate, only to discover that the whole class supported Richard instead of telling the truth.

"Who did this?" the teacher had questioned with rage. Margaret, the leader of the MaVaMi trio, comprising three gossip girls of average height, shouted that no one was responsible for the act.

"How come her uniform is stained?" the teacher questioned again, directing her glare toward everyone except Michelle.

"I think the oil spilled on her dress from her school bag. Maybe when she wanted to take something. Who knows?" Vanessa, the second girl of the gossip group, said to the teacher in pretense.

The teacher moved closer to Michelle's bag and found an open plastic container of oil in it. She looked up at Michelle with an emotion she couldn't decipher, but Michelle could tell the teacher found her at fault. She believed Michelle was a liar.

"What's this?" she asked Michelle with a bit of scorn showing on her face.

"That's the oil pack, ma'am," the other kids said to the teacher.

On getting to the spot, Michelle was shocked to see her school books and jotters heavily soiled with oil.

"It's a lie. It's Richard's doing," she shrieked, even though she knew it wouldn't help matters.

"You crazy bitch! Richard never did a thing. He has been silent the whole time. Why are you bent on implicating him? You must be out of your mind." Miranda, the last member of the gossip girls, yelled at her.

"Who is lying? You or me? Did you just call me a bitch?" Michelle asked angrily as her temper intensified violently.

"Yes! What can you do? It's only a bitch like you that's capable of lying," the MaVaMi trio yelled in unison.

A shouting exchange of words ensued between them as Michelle tried to defend herself in the presence of the teacher.

"Decorum!" the class teacher, Miss Caroline, shouted. "What's wrong with you all? Are you all out of your senses?" she asked.

"We're sorry, ma'am," they all apologized.

"Sorry for yourself. Miss Arrowhood, to my office," she instructed Michelle.

Only then did it dawn on Michelle that Richard had set a trap which she stupidly fell into. What could she have done? He had placed the oil bottle in her bag after spilling it on her, got the other kids on his side, and made it seem like she was the perpetrator of the crime. He planned it well.

Michelle entered the staff office after the teacher, and as punishment, she was told to apologize to the class, serve as the school janitor for two weeks, and, to crown it all, give up her post as the class president.

Then and there, the reputation she had built in the school was soiled as the teacher commented badly about her.

All the memories were still fresh, as if they had happened the day before.

"If Richard could get all the kids to support him, what about the teacher? How did he get her? Is she just being partial and plonky?" These were questions she never had an answer to, to this date.