Chapter 67 Clarity of Memory
With a nod of acquiescence, Maggie took on all the tasks handed to her and set about printing the necessary documents. Observing this, Emily sauntered over to the printer, a steaming cup of coffee in hand.
"Maggie, why do you never say no?" Emily questioned, concern etched on her face. "They're clearly exploiting your good nature. You're far too trusting." Emily and Maggie shared a strong bond, and it pained Emily to see her friend being taken advantage of.
Maggie merely smiled, her response laced with a quiet wisdom. "Awareness doesn't change the reality, Emily. If one doesn't endure the hardships of academia, they must face the trials of society instead."
Maggie's perspective was broad and accepting. With only a high school diploma and no prior experience, she understood the need to remain humble and eager to learn.
The design department was filled with graduates from prestigious institutions, each boasting a certain degree of renown in the jewelry design industry.
Emily was momentarily silenced, the truth of Maggie's words sinking in.
"As an assistant designer, you shouldn't be stuck doing menial tasks like sweeping and fetching water," Emily argued. "Why not buy everyone a round of coffee? Or perhaps some afternoon tea later?"
Maggie continued with her printing, a light smile playing on her lips. "Favors should be used wisely, Emily. They won't let me off the hook just because I treat them to tea."
Emily had tried this approach before, and Maggie knew it wouldn't yield any positive results. Moreover, she had no intention of squandering her money on such gestures.
Treating her colleagues to afternoon tea would leave her penniless.
Maggie wasn't oblivious to social dynamics. She understood why she was being singled out: her lack of education and experience.
She and her colleagues were not on the same social plane. Their superiority complex was palpable whenever she was around.
Maggie yearned to turn the tables, to use her skills to prove her worth and shatter their misplaced sense of superiority. She had only just arrived and hadn't had the chance yet, but she was confident that given the opportunity, she would change the dynamics.
"So, you plan on doing these odd jobs indefinitely?" Emily asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Maggie responded with a smile, "When you lack the power to refuse, it's best to keep a low profile. Don't worry about me, Emily. This doesn't tire me out. I do much more at home regularly."
Refusing now would only result in her colleagues ostracizing her, making her journey even more challenging.
Emily nodded, understanding the logic behind Maggie's words. "I think they're just envious of your beauty. You're stunning, and your husband is comfortable with you working without worrying about others flirting with you?"
Maggie's mind flashed back to a conversation with Fiorello that morning, and she murmured to herself, "No wonder."
"What do you mean, 'no wonder'?" Emily asked, curiosity piqued.
"It's nothing," Maggie deflected with a smile. "I should deliver these documents now."
Emily didn't press further, returning to her desk to sip her coffee and peruse a fashion magazine.
After delivering the documents, Maggie made her way to the restroom. As she approached, she heard the frantic sobs of a woman coming from one of the stalls.
Peering inside, Maggie was taken aback by the sight that greeted her.
A heavily pregnant woman was huddled on the floor, on the verge of giving birth.
The woman was clearly terrified by her sudden labor, her voice filled with panic. "Help me, please! Call an ambulance, I'm about to give birth."
Maggie snapped out of her shock, quickly dialing for help while trying to comfort the woman. "Don't be scared, take deep breaths. Everything will be okay."
Once the call was connected, Maggie relayed the urgent situation. "There's a pregnant woman about to give birth at the xxx office building..."
After ending the call, Maggie looked at the amniotic fluid pooling on the floor and felt a surge of anxiety.
The pregnant woman clung to Maggie, her voice trembling with fear. "Will my baby be okay? Will something happen? I'm not due for another month."
"Everything will be fine, trust me," Maggie assured her, although she wasn't entirely sure herself. But she knew she had to remain calm for the woman's sake.
Maggie glanced at the woman's name badge - Ann Smith, the manager of the sales department.
Ann took deep, shaky breaths, her hand gripping Maggie's tightly. "I've been waiting for this child for ten years. If something goes wrong, it'll be the end of me."
"Everything will be okay, Ann," Maggie reassured her. "Just follow my lead and try to relax. Lie down on my leg and try not to move. This should help reduce the loss of amniotic fluid."
The commotion in the restroom quickly drew the attention of their colleagues, and several rushed in to help when they realized a woman was in labor.
An ambulance arrived shortly after, and with the help of a few people, Ann was carefully moved onto the stretcher.
Ann clung to Maggie, her voice barely above a whisper. "Come with me, I'm scared."
In that moment, Maggie became Ann's rock.
"Of course, I'll accompany you," Maggie assured her.
She followed them to the hospital, assisting wherever she could.
Ann's husband arrived soon after and stayed by Ann's side.
Holding her husband's hand tightly, Ann implored, "If anything happens, promise me you'll protect our baby."
Witnessing this scene, Maggie felt a jolt of recognition. She had experienced something similar before.
In her memory, she had been just as helpless and bewildered as Ann, clutching Arya's hand and uttering similar words.
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