A Woman Named R-E-B-E-L

Three hours ago...

"They must have an idea that your very existence is already an act of rebellion," Maria scoffed at her younger sister, Evina.

It is a working hour for both of them. Maria was in the fields working as a landscape designer while Evina was a new employee at Sapphire Co.

She was discussing something to her client when she got a text message from Evina. A message that could ruin her career again.

Her coworkers asked for her younger sister's help in submitting a complaint against a director of their company for his dismissal.

"You have just started to rebuild your life again after getting fired from your previous job, Evie." she continued to scold Evina, like she used to when they were still younger.

Evina was always the unruly one even when they were children. She was the one who went against the rules, whether it was the household orders or the school regulations.

Maria would always reprimand her, but Evina's stubbornness would get her in trouble again. Just like now.

"Can't you just let them be? Or just ask someone else to do that job?" she added on. Anxiety could be heard from her voice.

"I guess they must have thought that my name is not spelled as E-v-i-n-a but R-e-b-e-l," Revina chuckled at the thought, annoying Maria all the more.

"That's not funny, Evina Chen. Are you even listening?" the older sister now raised her voice. She peeked back at her working area, hoping she didn't disturb anyone.

Evina cleared her throat, showing that she would be serious now. "Look, I know you're concerned about me, Iya. But they have been in misery for so long."

Evina continued to defend her new colleagues to her older sister. "He has been exploiting them and no one could dare stand against him. Do you expect me to just sit back and do nothing?"

She was talking about Director Zhou, one of the Board of Directors of Sapphire Co. It's only been three months since she was hired as an office manager, and she has already seen how he verbally abused some employees. Sometimes, it's even physical.

Because of her boldness, there are times that she would stand up and contend with him. It is the reason why her office mates gave her the folder containing their complaints.

They have been collecting them but no one could pass them to the higher-ups, fearing that he would retaliate back. Seeing Evina's fearlessness, they made a unanimous decision to give her the files.

Maria gave out a long sigh as a sign of her giving up. She knew she would not win against her sister once she had already made up her mind.

"You're already a grown-up, Evina Chen. I hope you're also considering your career as you make your decision. Anyway, I got to go now. Let's meet later."

After Maria ended the call, Evina also drew in a deep breath before swiveling in her chair, so she could have a better look at the room.

The space was so small for a team of six that she could hear the sound of staplers clicking from her area. Papers were being crumpled and thrown into the bin. A whiff of paper and ink coming from the old files would always invade a passerby's nose.

How long had it been already since she worked at this small company as an office manager?

It was not glamorous, but it was decent and manageable. Evina had just started working here after being fired from her previous job.

Thinking that a smaller group would have less dirty laundry, Evina applied there. However, this situation has proven otherwise.

"Here I go again." she sighed as her eyes studied the report. Evina felt her blood boiling within her as she read further.

"Constant discrediting, use of abusive language, intimidation and harassment!" she grimaced with a clenched jaw, "These are serious issues!"

"Are you just talking about the Director Zhou?" One of the staff must have heard her as she approached her cubicle.

She peeked at who was talking to her, and she was surprised to see who it was. It was Cynthia, the timidest of their department. And she seemed to look bothered.

Evina tilted her head up and answered her curtly, "Yes, Cynthia. I am thinking of doing something about it."

At her words, Cynthia's face brightened up. "Thank you, Evina," she lifted her eyeglasses that is falling on her nose, "That is a splendid idea. It is a good thing that we let you handle this. None of us has the courage to do so."

Evina glanced around the room for more than a few seconds. It was true because among the others, she was the only one who was confident enough to speak for what she believed in.

Even to the ones in a higher position than hers.

"It seemed like she had a bad experience with the Director too," she mused, seeing the conflicted expression on Cynthia's face.

"Do you have something to tell me?" she prompted her on, giving her one of her sweetest smiles.

Cynthia looked around the room to see if there were people around who might be listening to them. Seeing that there were a few coworkers who were just a meter away from them, she bowed her head down again.

Concluding that something was indeed troubling her, Evina stood up and patted Cynthia on her shoulders. She then guided her to somewhere private.

To her surprise, Cynthia didn't object, but just allowed Evina to lead her.

They went upstairs and onto a vacant room. After Cynthia made sure that no one was around, she finally opened her mouth.

"The Director molested me," Cynthia sputtered out through gritted teeth. Her hands were trembling as she spoke.

*************************

The time is always right

To do what is right.