Hannah approached Abby and the woman immediately crossed her arms defensively. She was incredibly arrogant.
“Don’t lay your eyes on my boyfriend,” Abby warned.
Both Don and Hannah looked equally shocked.
“Abby, what are you talking about?” Don cut in immediately. “Hannah is married.”
Hannah just smiled wryly. “Yes, I’m married. I wouldn’t mess with your boyfriend.”
“Really? Then why are you working here? Where’s your husband?”
Abby was so annoying that Hannah wanted to tell her that she was the wife of Alden Harrison, a rising billionaire in Summerhill. But what would be the point? After all, Hannah came to Sunnydale to get away from Alden.
“My husband is out of town,” Hannah replied, “he works a long way from here.”
Abby just sighed and gave a quick nod. “Okay.”
She didn’t even apologize to Hannah.
Don looked uncomfortable and gave Hannah a quick apologetic nod before hurrying out of the cafeteria with Abby. Hannah returned to the line and took the tray Joan handed her.
“What was that about?” Joan asked.
“She just wanted to know if I was married.”
Joan scoffed. “Of course she must feel threatened by you, Hannah. You’re stunning. Abby is probably afraid that Don will be attracted to you.”
Hannah shook her head. “I’m already married, Joan.”
Joan’s eyes widened slightly. “You’re married? Really?”
Hannah smiled and nodded slowly. “We’re in a long-distance relationship.”
“Oh, I thought you were still single.”
The conversation faded as Hannah and Joan got their food and joined HR at their table. Across from them was the marketing department. Hannah noticed the somewhat arrogant receptionist who reminded her of Abby.
“That receptionist looks a lot like Abby,” Hannah said.
Joan glanced over. “Anne is her sister. She only started working here a month ago.”
Employees began to whisper about Anne and Abby, but Joan remained silent. Anne had already formed a clique in the marketing department that made many other employees uncomfortable.
Anne felt powerful because of Abby’s influence in the company. Several employees had already fallen victim to Anne’s intimidation.
Hannah wanted to say something, but she caught a look from Joan that seemed to be a signal. So Hannah just listened, realizing that there was a lot of drama at the plant.
Deep down, Hannah just wanted to stay out of trouble and hoped she could survive there as long as possible, even if it meant dealing with people like Abby and Anne.
*
The next day Hannah went to work with Shelley, Lilith and Demi. They didn’t ask much about Hannah’s life, which made her feel very comfortable.
The three roommates told Hannah a lot about the work atmosphere at the factory, places to hang out during breaks, and other things that Hannah found very useful.
“Maybe we should go downtown this weekend,” Lilith suggested.
“I don’t have a day off,” Demi complained.
“But we have the morning shift. Just don’t stay out too late,” Shelley added. She turned to Hannah. “Are you comin’, Hannah? We’ll take the company car. It’ll be fun to go together.”
“I don’t know.” Hannah seemed hesitant.
“Come on, we’ll just grab some pizza or coffee,” Shelley encouraged. “Or find some good books.”
“Well, okay,” Hannah agreed.
As they were about to cross the street toward the factory, a speeding car almost hit Hannah if Lilith hadn’t pulled her out of the way. The car stopped not far from them, and Anne got out, looking irritated.
“Do you people have eyes?” Anne snapped. “Don’t talk so much in the street that you don’t see cars coming!”
“We were about to cross,” Hannah replied coldly. “You should know the rules near a crosswalk.”
Anne was taken aback and immediately approached Hannah. The young, arrogant woman crossed her arms and glared at Hannah.
“Don’t you know who I am?” Anne asked.
Hannah shook her head. “No. I don’t know who you are.”
“Oh my God, you really are something, aren’t you? As soon as you know who I am, you’ll come crawling to me to apologize.”
“We’ll see.”
Then Anne got back into her car, cursing under her breath, and drove to the factory.
Meanwhile, Shelley, Lilith, and Demi stood frozen. They quickly surrounded Hannah, suddenly concerned.
“Why did you challenge her? Anne is Abby’s sister, and Abby…”
“Don’s secretary and his girlfriend, and she’s also the factory owner’s daughter,” Hannah interrupted.
“If you know that, why did you act like that, Hannah?” Demi half complained. “This could be a big problem.”
“I just want to see what Anne will do. Since I’m not guilty, I have the right to stand my ground,” Hannah said.
The four of them entered the factory and went their separate ways to their respective workplaces. As Hannah entered the Human Resources office, Joan intercepted her at the entrance. Joan’s face was very pale.
“Abby, Anne and Don are in my office. That little brat is furious and looking for you,” Joan whispered. “What’s going on, Hannah?”
“Oh, really? Well, I’ll go see them now.”
Calmly, Hannah walked to the HR manager’s office, greeted her, and entered. Anne immediately launched into a tirade, pointing her finger at Hannah. It was clear that Anne was not ready to be someone who could work well; her behavior did not reflect maturity or wisdom.
“Did you insult my sister?” Abby asked in a raised voice.
“With what words?” Hannah asked in return.
“She challenged me, Abby! She…”
Hannah cut her off. “I didn’t say anything insulting. But you yelled at me on the street when you almost hit me. And you asked if I didn’t have eyes.”
Anne fell silent immediately.
“I don’t mind if you want to make a big deal out of it. But I was in the crosswalk and she was speeding. I think there’s a security camera there,” Hannah pointed out.
Abby immediately raised her finger. “Listen, you know-it-all. I’m not gonna stand by while you…”
“Enough!” Don suddenly shouted.
Even Abby and Anne were shocked by Don’s outburst as he rarely raised his voice.
“Anne, you owe Hannah an apology. And Abby, your sister was wrong. Let’s not drag this out any longer,” Don decided.
Anne’s face went pale. “But…”
“Now, Anne!” Don ordered.
Anne turned to Hannah. “Sorry.”
Then the young woman left the HR manager’s office, followed by Abby. Don sighed tiredly, dealing with yet another morning drama caused by Anne and Abby.
“Sorry if this made you uncomfortable, Hannah. Please get back to work,” Don asked.
“Thank you.” Hannah only nodded briefly.
As Don left the room, Joan watched Hannah with a little curiosity. The middle-aged woman was a little suspicious. Don never defended employees like that; he usually gave in to Abby and Anne. Something made Don feel the need to protect Hannah.
Joan was intrigued. Maybe she should find out who this Hannah Harrison really was.