By Personal Request
And where do you think youre off to? hissed Sarah, spotting that Lucy was packing up to leave fifteen minutes before the workday officially ended. The day isnt over yet, you know.
Ladies, its really urgent Lucy looked at her colleagues with pleading eyes.
Not a trace of sympathy flickered in their gaze. Their eyes were cold like marbles straight from the freezer.
Well, I dont care! If you go now, Ill tell Mrs. Thompson everything, Sarah issued her threat.
Do as you please, Lucy replied with a shrug, snatching her handbag from the desk and dashing out of the office.
She knew perfectly well that tomorrow shed likely be called in and let go. But there was no other choice. Her reason may have seemed feeble to others, but it was gravely important to her. Pity that no one tried to understand.
*****
A month earlier.
Lucy sat in Mrs. Thompsons office, clutching her bag and heart, anxiously waiting to hear what the managing director would say.
Not just waitingshed been quietly praying to be accepted for the job, sending all her hopes skyward.
And it seemed her prayers had been heard.
Well take you on, said Mrs. Thompson crisply, leafing through the CV and certificates before her. But let me be clear from the start
Lucy tensed, though she did her best not to show it.
Really, no matter what Mrs. Thompson said, Lucy would nod and agree.
It wasnt as if work offering this sort of salary could be found elsewhere in the city.
She was braced for any termswithin reason, of course.
In my company, Mrs. Thompson carried on, everyone comes and goes on the dot. No late arrivals or early finishes.
Lucy absorbed every word, not wanting to miss a single detail.
If you break the rules, therell be a financial penalty and no hopes of a bonus at the end of the month. If it keeps happening, I won’t mince words. Frankly, you wont get a conversation at all. Just a pen, paper, letter of resignation, and thatll be that.
Deep down Lucy felt relieved. Mrs. Thompson hadnt said anything truly dreadful. Discipline counted for everything these days.
Do we understand each other? Mrs. Thompson said, adjusting her glasses. If you ever arrive late or try to sneak off early, dont expect any special treatment. I wont be turning a blind eye.
She began sliding Lucys documents back into her drawer, then paused and looked over at the young woman sitting before her.
When youre here, you work. Sort out your personal problems on your own time, not the companys. Clear?
Perfectly, Lucy nodded. When do I start?
Tomorrow you can begin. Nine on the dot. Ideally, arrive ten or fifteen minutes beforehand.
Of course.
And please, keep your mobile off or at least on silent. I wont have staff distracted by chatter. Those are my rules. Anyone can leave if they dont like it.
Im very grateful, Mrs. Thompson. Thank you for the chance.
I hope you dont let me down.
Lucy truly was grateful to this stern but fair woman. Shed handed her CV around every office in town for weeks, always getting the same flat refusals.
No one wanted a young, inexperienced new starter. Even with a first-class degree.
You can order that kind of certificate off the internet, scoffed the personnel officer at one firm. Experience, not a piece of paper, is what counts. You need to show up ready to work, you see?
But Lucy couldnt understand: how was she supposed to gain that experience if no one gave her a start?
Mrs. Thompson had been the only one willing to risk it. And now, Lucy felt bound to justify that trustto prove that she hadnt been wrong.
*****
The very next day, Lucy stood in front of the office at twenty past eight.
No one was there yet. She waited until the security guard, Mr. Roberts, arrived at half eight, keys jingling.
Been here long? he teased, fishing out the lock.
Only about ten minutes.
Up early to impress Mrs. Thompson, are you?
Hardly. The bus I get just comes so early, and if I catch the next, Ill be late. And after what I heard about discipline here, Im not taking the chance.
Fair enough, Mr. Roberts chuckled, swinging open the door. Care for a coffee?
I’d love that, smiled Lucy, glancing kindly at the older man.
Her heart warmed at that small show of kindness from a near-stranger. It felt rare, these days.
Lucy moved towards the coffee machine, but Mr. Roberts stopped her.
Oh, none of that!
He ushered her into his den, produced a hefty flask and a paper bag sporting steaming homemade pastries.
Did your wife make these for you? Lucy asked, watching as the golden buns were laid out.
No, I did.
Really? Yourself?
Why not? I live alone, so its up to me. Grans recipe. You can try somethese two are apple, those two are blackcurrant. Fancy a couple?
Ill try my best, Lucy smiled and reached for a bun.
By quarter to nine she was at her desk, carefully reading through the contracts shed be handling. The other women drifted in ten minutes later, coldly ignoring her. They spent a further five minutes discussing television dramasor perhaps real-life dramabefore even logging on.
Mrs. Thompson arrived on the dot of nine. Serious face, eyebrows arched like twin rooftops.
A real iron lady, running a tight ship. Yet, despite the formidable façade, Lucy felt drawn to her.
Something about Mrs. Thompsons air gave the impression that, for all her strictness, she was fundamentally decent.
She greeted the room and, pausing by her door, fixed her gaze on Lucy.
Lucy was almost sure she smiled. Not at the office, but at her, personally.
Mr. Roberts told me you were first in today. Well done. Ladies, perhaps youll follow Lucys examplealready working, while the rest of you havent even switched on your computers.
After that public dressing-down, the atmosphere in the office chilled even further. It was as if Lucy had declared herself the enemy, simply by doing her job.
Sarah headed the clique, the clear ringleader, and the rest deferred to her in everything.
Whenever Lucy approached her about a work task, Sarah only answered grudgingly, usually tacking on a little dig.
Whats her problem? Lucy wondered, hurt and baffled by how hostile Sarah was, and that the others followed along. She once even tried asking outright, but got nowhere.
A week passed, then another.
Lucy steered clear of conflict, burying herself in her work. Mrs. Thompson regularly singled her out for praise:
See how its meant to be done, ladies! This morning I asked Lucy for these files by end-of-day; shed finished by lunch. If only everyone worked so efficiently.
Mrs. Thompson would depart, leaving Sarah and her circle glowering furiously at Lucy for the next hour.
It was clear: they would never accept her. Well, at least they arent actively nasty, Lucy sighed inwardly.
Her only confidant was Mr. Roberts, the night guard. He started coming in earlier, just so that Lucy wouldnt have to wait alone outside the office. Theyd drink coffee and chat about all sortsuntil one day
How are you getting on here, Lucy? he asked one morning, handing her a steaming mug.
Pretty well, actually.
I suppose you think Mrs. Thompson is a bit of a dragon?
Not really, Lucy admitted. My parents raised me with strict rules, so Im used to it.
Thats good to hear, Mr. Roberts smiled. She might seem harsh, but beneath it all, shes got a very good heart. Kind, but not very lucky.
Unlucky, you mean?
Were only human. We all have problems. Mrs. Thompson when she was young, she had an abortion, and now she cant have children. No husband, though shes successful and beautiful, frankly. She buries herself in work, but theres just no happiness. Because money and work arent everything.
I can believe that. But if you dont mind me asking, how do you know all of this?
Lucy was genuinely curious how the office security guard knew Mrs. Thompsons deepest secrets.
Well, because Mr. Roberts hesitated, realising hed said too much.
Wiping away an unashamed tear, he answered, Because, you see, it was my child she got rid of.
Oh.
We were in love back then. Not just in bedreal love. But we were from different worlds. Her family was well-off; I grew up in care. Her parents made her choose. She was scared, tooshe was just finishing university, and I was working as a labourer. Thats how we met, doing up her parents house.
And then?
Well, when I found out, I couldnt bear to see her. Left for another town with my crew. Promised myself never to fall for anyone again. And, I never have. Only loved her, always.
Mr. Roberts looked out the window, lost in memory.
And then fate brought us back together here. I turned up for this job, and there she was. The big boss. She didnt recognise me at first, then cried for hours alone in her office. I was about to leave, but she called me backoffered me a job as doorman with the same strict warnings as you got.
Have you forgiven her?
I have. But she cant forgive herself. For betraying our love, not having children, not finding happiness. Please dont mention it, Lucy, alright?
Your secrets safe with me, Lucy promised. And thought, Who on earth would I even tell?
Two weeks later, Lucy had adjusted to her job, no longer needing the others help. Mrs. Thompson called a meeting and informed them shed have to leave town urgently on business.
While Im away, Sarahs in charge. Ive known her a long time and trust her. Discipline must remain as strict as ever.
She gave them all a look to make it clear she wasnt joking.
If I hear of anyone arriving late or leaving early youll be out.
Lucy was disappointed by Mrs. Thompsons absence but tried not to let the others see. Nothing bad will happen she reassured herself. Mr. Roberts told her the same.
But of course, something did happen.
The very next day, with Sarah in charge, everything changed.
*****
Early morning.
Are you coming or not, love? barked the bus driver.
Lucy hardly even heard him. At the bottom step, her eyes were fixed on a grey cat lying beneath the bench at the stop.
Why is she there? Whys she breathing so heavily? Lucy wondered, an anxious feeling weighing on her.
Are you getting on or not? The driver barked again, sounding more annoyed.
Sorry… No, Im not. Lucy mumbled, stepping down onto the pavement.
The bus clattered its doors shut, roaring off into the street.
Lucy sat beside the bench, stooping to gently stroke the cat.
Hey, are you alright?
The cat opened her eyes, meeting Lucys with a look equal parts surprise and relief.
She had tried so many times to get a passerby to notice, to beg for help, but shed been ignored every time. And then suddenly, someone had come to her.
Youre all skin and bones, Lucy murmured, feeling the cats fur but your bellys round. Youre pregnant, arent you…
Mrrreow, came the faint reply, full of helplessness.
What will you do? Wholl look after you and your kittens out here?
Glancing at the time, Lucy sighed. Then looked at the cat and sighed again.
She knew Sarah would definitely report it if Lucy was late. There was no point asking Sarah for leaveshed never allow it.
Ill come up with something, Lucy decided. She gently picked up the cat and carried her home.
Thats where it all began
Predictably, Sarah let Lucy have it the next daypendulating with new-found power as acting boss. With a smirk, she announced, No bonus for you this month, Lucy!
Well, fine At least the cats off the street, Lucy thought. That matters more.
That evening at home, Lucy begged her cat not to give birth before Saturday.
But at half two in the morning, she woke to strange noises, and when she went into the sitting room, it was clear. The cat was in labour. Lucy held her paw, staying up all night until three fluffy kittens had arrived in the world.
So, you dont care about the rules? shouted Sarah, when Lucy was late for the second day running.
Sorry, I found a cat, she gave birth I couldnt leave her.
And you think thats a good enough reason for being late?
No, but
So, heres what happens now! Ill dock your pay for every late day. And dont come to me later about not being warned!
Lucy promised it wouldnt happen again. The next day she arrived on time.
But she was late returning from lunch, because shed gone hometaking a taxi out, but caught in a jam on the way back
If the cat hadnt had problems feeding her kittens, Lucy wouldnt have needed to dash out. But she did, every dayensuring the little ones didnt starve.
No matter how she apologised, Sarah didnt care to understand. She just docked more and more from Lucys pay.
If it keeps up, Ill have no wages left And kittens cant eat fresh air, Lucy thought grimly.
Thats a spot of bother, Mr. Roberts offered when Lucy told him the whole story over their coffee. Is there anything I can do?
Not really, Lucy sniffled. I cant bring the kittens in, can I? And soon I wont have a job anyway. Once Mrs. Thompsons back, shell probably sack me.
Well see about that
Two weeks zoomed by. Tomorrow Mrs. Thompson would be back. On this day, Lucy had a vet appointment for the cat and had to leave the office fifteen minutes early. She’d finished all her work, so her conscience was clear. Not so Sarah
Where are you off to? Sarah sneered, seeing Lucy gathering her things early. The days not over.
Ladies, please, its really important Lucy pleaded with the others.
No sympathy. Just icy stares.
If you leave now, Ill tell Mrs. Thompson, Sarah threatened.
Do what you want! Lucy snapped, grabbing her bag and leaving.
*****
Next morning, Lucy knew what to expect: Mrs. Thompson and Sarah were waiting together. She stood before the desk, where a pen and paper already waited.
Ive heard what was going on these past two weeks, Mrs. Thompson began.
Yes, I was at fault, Lucy said, resigned. But I had no choice.
Mr. Roberts has told me about the cat and her kittens, Mrs. Thompson nodded.
Thats not a valid excuse for being late, Sarah cut in, with a nasty smile.
Mrs. Thompson gave her a hard look, and she snapped her mouth shut.
Please dont interrupt, Sarah. Cat birth may not be an official reason for lateness but Mrs. Thompson turned to Lucy with a smile as gentle as a mothers to a child isnt it sometimes right to show a little humanity?
But she broke the rules, even defied my orders yesterday, Sarah protested.
She did, yes but did her work suffer? No. She always finished her tasks on time, unlike you and your mates. More to the pointSarah, you failed the most basic test of decency. You punished someone who went above and beyond, taking a stray pregnant cat from the street and caring for her on her own. Is that the behaviour I want in this office?
Sarah looked utterly humiliated, shrinking with every word.
Ive got a letter here, Sarah. Write your resignationhand it in. I want no soulless staff here. The rest, I suspect, simply fell under your influence.
As Sarah shakily wrote, Mrs. Thompson quietly thanked Lucy for not abandoning the cat, then granted her a two-week paid holiday. She restored Lucys salary and bonus as well.
Lucy took ages to recover. Shed been bracing herself for disasternever dreaming of a happy ending.
This is your doing, you little troublemaker! Lucy giggled with the cat (now named Daisy) purring beside her after feeding the kittens.
Daisy looked up with such feigned surprise that Lucy burst out laughing.
A month and a half later, Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Roberts arrived unexpectedly at her flat.
Er hello! Lucy gasped. Is something wrong?
No, not at all. Weve spoken and decided to adopt the kittens. You posted an ad, didnt you?
I did but there are three.
Three is hardly enough for us, Mrs. Thompson laughed. Were moving to the country. Loads of space for everyone. Besides, I plan on living a little. I wont be at the office much.
Here it comesanother Sarah in charge, Lucy thought, anxiety creeping in.
While Im gone, youll be acting director, Lucy. Can you handle it?
Me? But Ive only just started!
Yes, you. Youre the only one I trust with my lifes work. I know you wont let me down.
And, by the way, I brought some homemade scones, Mr. Roberts grinned. Shall we put the kettle on?
That evening, Lucys kitchen was alive with laughter.
They reminisced as if they were old friends; between sips of tea, Daisys kittens woke up and tumbled into play. Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Roberts, roaring with laughter, played with them for hours.
Lucy watched, tearfully smilingit was happiness she saw in their eyes.
Daisy lay on the floor, content, watching these people who still knew how to truly love. Perhaps, Lucy thought, theres hope for the world yet.
And so, I learnt that sometimes its worth breaking the rules for kindness. The strictest workplaces are still run by people; and humanity should always come before paperwork.
