The new Áine

Thanks. 

Yes, I do, but I like the occasional visual comparisons because it helps my readers picture the clothes too. I know I usually go into extensive detail on the suits anyways, but for someone who is starting out writing stories on this, it's harder to show what you mean when you're describing everything. 

Anytime, anything to please my readers. I like your constant praise of my stories, it's very positive to hear!

Thanks. And as my readers, Like ye to be able to fully picture what the suits and ties are like in the stories, as you say, visual comparisons are helpful too. It's always nice  to hear your continuous positive praise on my stories, it helps me to develop my skills further as a writer, and I know you said I had a talent for it.

A few days later Áine was working away as usual, a normal quiet working day, when she heard a commotion outside, and then the sound of multiple screams. This commotion and screaming gave Áine the aura that something was wrong. Standing up from her desk, Áine walked out to the main banking lobby where she noticed several people who were almost in a foetal position, clearly terrified by something. Looking up from the people on the ground, Áine noticed that there were four masked men holding guns in their hands and pointing them in her direction. "Give us all the money in the safe, right now, or we'll blow someone's head off. We want the money now!" One of the gunmen walked over to her, and exclaimed, "you will escort me to the safe now, comply, and I'll let you go." 

Considering the fact she was being held at gunpoint, Áine had no choice but to comply with the gunman. Walking behind the desk, she escorted him towards the safe. Áine knew that what she was doing was not entirely professional, but considering it was her job or her life at risk, she'd have chosen her life. Opening the safe, she watched as the gunman started emptying the contents into a black ziplock bag. She went to say something when he rudely told her to shut up and keep still. Áine was not frightened by most things, but in this case she was terrified. At that moment, before the gunman walked out of the room with the bag of money, there was a sound from the lobby. "This is the guards, put down your guns and walk away." Returning to the lobby, the gunman held Áine in front of him, exclaiming, "move, and she gets it."

A few minutes later, the three other robbers had been disarmed, and arrested. The lone one left was not moving from his spot. After about an hour, he eventually stood down and let Áine go. The guards arrested him, and the main guard exclaimed, "you must be Áine, everything is ok now. We'll arrange for additional security in here from next week onwards. Thank God you're all ok." Thanking the guard Áine watched him walk away. From the crowd of people, Áine watched as Kim appeared and ran over to her. Holding Áine in her arms, Kim, with tears flowing down her face, exclaimed, "oh my goodness sweetheart, I'm so glad you're safe. You're the spitting image of your mom, and I don't want to lose her twice." At that moment, Áine started crying herself, "Kim, I was so frightened." Consoling her, Kim replied, "it's ok now sweetheart. I'll take you to my house, you can relax there." At that moment Felicia arrived, "that sounds like a good idea Kim, Áine, you go and take your mind off all this, take a few days off and come back again on Friday."

A few days later, after she had recovered from the traumatic events of the robbery, Áine made her way into the bank with a purpose, she was in a not to be trifled with mood, and she knew it. Arriving at the bank, she walked inside and as she made her way to her office, she was greeted by her colleagues, to whom she greeted them as cheerfully as she could. Walking into her office, Áine sighed, she knew it was going to be an eventful day ahead. At 1pm, the staff had an hour and a half for lunch, and Áine had summoned them all into an auditorium in the back of the bank where important lectures were occasionally held. "Ok, I'm glad you're all here. I have discussed it with Felicia and the police who are both onboard with the idea. From tomorrow onwards, we are upping the security measures here. I know that what happened was nobody's fault, it was just a selfish and cowardly act. The police have dealt with the robbers. From this point onwards, there shall be invisible lasers that shut down the bank in case of robbery at night. Photographs of each staff member shall be taken for our retinal ID scanner, fingerprints shall also be scanned. There shall be added cameras, and you are all to scan your staff card on the entrance gate walking in. Phones or electronic devices are now prohibited, and you will all be designated a locker to store your belongings in. Failure to comply with these rules shall warrant disciplinary actions, something that the bank directors and I, being the manager, have both agreed to. Repeat offences shall result in termination of the employee." 

It might have seemed at first that Áine was being quite strict and abusing her authority, but when she had finished speaking, the whole room burst into thunderous applause. With this applause, Áine knew she had rallied the staff, and had earned their admiration even further. Returning to her office, Áine sat down at her desk and resumed her work, she sighed, there were a lot of Excel spreadsheets that she had to fill out, something she hated having to do. The continued support and admiration from her employees cheered up Áine while she was working. At 5pm, Áine had finished working, and locking up her office, she handed the keys to the security guard at the desk. Walking out of the bank, she was surprised to find Kim standing there waiting for her. "Hi honey, I said I'd surprise you here when you were finished work. Wanna go out for dinner tonight?" Clearly delighted to be able to spend more time with Kim, Áine replied, "I'd love to." With a radiant smile on her face, Kim replied, "I saw your car nearby, so I'll meet you back at my place."

Getting into her car, Áine set off towards Kim's house, though she was stuck in evening traffic which made her groan. "The traffic in this city!!" Before she arrived at Kim's house, Lukas rang Áine to ask if he could meet her at her house. Áine rang Kim to let her know the story, Kim replying, "sure, take as much time as you need sweetheart." When she arrived at her house, Áine pulled up and ushered Lukas in. Turning off the alarm, they walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. Reaching to take Lukas's hand, Áine was slightly surprised when he turned it away. This made Áine realise that there was something wrong. Taking a deep breath, Lukas exclaimed, "Áine, I am truly sorry to have to say this to you, but we can't date each other anymore, it seems external forces want me to break up with you, my father being the external force. He doesn't approve of me dating you, he wants to set me up with a millionaire's daughter. Áine, I am so sorry, I didn't want to have to do it, I've never been more happy than I have been with you. My mother is totally ok with us dating, but my father rules the roost at home, and he wants me to break up with you. I'm so sorry to have to say it." Kissing Áine on the cheek, Lukas then walked out of the house, he was devastated that he was forced into breaking up with Áine. 

If Lukas was upset, Áine was distraught, the tears were flowing down her cheeks which smeared her mascara. A few minutes later Áine had rung Kim to ask her to come over to the house. When Kim arrived, she walked into the living room and found Áine sobbing uncontrollably on the couch. Putting her arm around Áine, Kim exclaimed, "sweetheart, what's the matter? You can tell me." Over the next few minutes Áine had explained to Kim what had happened with her and Lukas. Comforting Áine, Kim replied, "it's ok sweetie, I know how you feel. There there sweetheart, I'm here for you. Let it all out."

For several days Áine was still upset about her breakup, usually things never bothered her for more than a day, but it was clear to see that the breakup was getting to her. Kim could notice this a mile away, exclaiming, "Áine, sweetheart I understand you're upset about Lukas, it's natural. To cheer you up, I'm taking you shopping, I've a special surprise arranged for tonight, and I want you looking the part for it." Wondering what this surprise could be, Áine sat up from the couch. Walking over to the fridge, she took out some yogurt and then a spoon from the cutlery drawer. Sitting down, she ate the yogurt, the thought of what this surprise could be was still playing on her mind. When she had finished her yogurt, Áine stood up from the table. Just as she was about to walk upstairs, she heard the doorbell ring. Wondering who it could be, Áine walked out to the hallway. Her face was slightly shocked when she found that it was Felicia and the bank board of directors.

"Hello Áine, the other directors and I have come, reluctantly, to tell you that there have been irregularities in the bank's financial intake, and we have traced them back to you. This sort of behaviour is not tolerated by any means. It is our reluctant decision to have to tell you that your position as bank manager is terminated. You have two days to sort out your affairs and then we shall be advertising for your immediate replacement. I knew I made a mistake in hiring you, and especially to such a high ranking position, I was so stupid. I am very disappointed in you Áine, I believed that you had vast potential, but it seems that you have squandered it. You are to turn in your name badge upon leaving the bank tomorrow."

Áine could not believe it, she was always so meticulous about her work, she always played by the rules and never did anything wrong.

Little do Kim and Áine realise that the fact that Áine was fired was the actions of a fellow bank employee.

The following day Áine was at work when she saw a fellow employee walking by with a smile on their face, something smelled fishy. Spotting Áine, the employee walked over to her. "Hello Áine, I hear you're going to be leaving the bank. What a shame, but rules are rules, and you broke them. You are a disgrace to this bank, and it's about time they realise the two timing little snake that you are. For the time being, I have been named acting bank manager, and my first plan of action is to get rid of this silly suit and tie dress code which you had previously implemented. Here's my parting gift for you." The employee then punched Áine in the stomach taking the wind out of her. "Here's your tie, and now kindly leave the premises before I have you escorted out."  When she got her wind back, Áine walked out of the bank. Her whole career had gone up in smoke, her four years of college had been torn into tatters. 

Taking out her phone, Áine tried to ring Kim, whose answering machine exclaimed, "the number you are trying to call can no longer be reached from this phone." Walking down the street to the nearby park, Áine sat down on one of the benches near the pond. The fish looked so peaceful just swimming around the water with no problems whatsoever. Someone had sold Áine out at work, and now Kim was not talking to her. Áine was never one to be depressed, but to her the day was the worst of her life. Determined to find out why Kim was not talking to her, Áine got into her car and made her way to Kim's house. Knocking on the door, Áine was greeted by Kim who was in a very irate mood. "Oh, it's you. Áine, I promised your mother that I would watch over you like a guardian angel, but you clearly did not learn honesty. I can't believe that you would go behind everyone's back like that. Now, if you would kindly excuse me, I am a busy woman, I've tests to grade and I don't have time for liars." Not backing down, Áine replied, "Kim, you know me, I would never do anything to break the rules." Kim, looking at Áine with disgust, replied, "that's Kimberly, you little brat. Now get out." Áine knew she had to prove to everyone that she was innocent. 

Returning to the bank, Áine was doing some business with a former fellow employee of hers when she overheard someone talking, it was the girl who had replaced her as bank manager. When the employee turned his back, Áine hit the record button on her phone, she had to get some shred of proof that what had happened to her was not her fault. Her opportune moment came when the employee had to go into the back to get some forms for Áine to sign. The new manager strolled past with a colleague, and luckily she did not spot Áine sitting down. "It feels great now that I'm bank manager instead of that pathetic Áine, she was so gullible and fell for my ruse, it was I that hacked her account and bought a lot of expensive stuff for myself, plus I got away with it. Her new dress code, please, a woman wearing a suit and tie, ugh, so last decade." Knowing that this was the proof she needed, Áine headed for Felicia and the board of directors offices. Knocking on the door, she heard Felicia exclaiming, "come in."

Felicia's smile turned to disgust when she saw that it was Áine. "oh, back for more dishonesty and lies Áine? I didn't think you could stoop any lower. Anyways, tell me why you are here." For the next couple of minutes Áine explained everything that she had recorded on the recording. Wiping her glasses, Felicia nodded, her face was turning more and more crimson with every passing second. "Áine, follow me, it's time that we finally addressed this issue. I'm so sorry for not believing you." When they reached the lobby Felicia asked the bank patrons to leave for a few minutes and come back, she had asked for a staff meeting. Little did Áine know that Kim was also there, after Felicia had told her the truth about what had occurred. Gathering all the staff in the back auditorium, Felicia cleared her throat. "It seems that there has been a rather disgusting display of disrespect and dishonesty amongst you, and I know who the person involved is. The person in question set up Áine for a fall, and I want them to come forward this instant." The room fell deadly silent, the only sound was Felicia rapping her nails on the table. 

Growing more and more impatient, Felicia exclaimed, "you're only making this harder on yourself. Fine, if you won't come forward, you'll be even closer to termination. Becky, stand up this second." The room was then filled with cries of shock and disgust. Standing up, Becky knew she was further in the mire. "Becky, I am absolutely ashamed of your actions, in doing so, you cost Áine her job. You may be the same age as her, but she's further ahead of you in terms of maturity.You cost a woman her job. I am truly appalled, Áine came to this bank because she had just just passed her college degree and was looking for her first full time job. Áine, I cannot apologise enough, you are hereby rehired, and with a raise."

How's it going so far Evol?

I’m liking it’s good

The meeting concluded without any further hiccups, Áine standing up from her seat was then surrounded by her fellow employees who were all gathering around her to sincerely apologise to her. After the hubbub had finished, Áine spotted Kim who ranger to her, kissing her on the head. "Kim? What are you doing here, who let you in the auditorium? Aren't you supposed to be at work?" Pushing a strand of hair back from Áine's face, Kim replied, "slow down there kiddo, you're asking too many questions at once. Firstly, Felicia told me that what happened was not your fault, and invited me here. Secondly, I asked my deputy headmistress to cover for me while I was gone. Thirdly, I am so sorry honey, I did not mean to say those things, you are by no means a brat. I lost my temper, and I shouldn't have. You are a very beautiful young woman Áine, you have vast amounts of potential. I have a wonderful evening planned for us, first I'm taking you out for dinner, and then, I know you like the opera, so I bought us two tickets to it. The moment I am finished work, and you are too, I'm taking you to town to buy you a tuxedo, I want you looking the part for the opera."

At 5pm Áine finished work. Taking a sigh of relief, she knew that she could have some time to relax after looking at spreadsheets for the past 9 hours. Driving into town, Áine parked her car in a nearby car park and got out. Putting her sunglasses on her head, Áine locked the door behind her. Looking at her watch, Áine knew that she had very little time to spare. Pressing the button to signal the elevator, Áine swore under her breath as she was waiting for it to come up. At that moment she received a text message from Amelia, "I hear you and Kim are going to the opera tonight, hope you have a wonderful time, the opera is always fantastic. I'm off work until Monday so I'm coming home to see you on Friday. Love, Amelia!" Amelia was the only family that Áine had ever really liked, Amelia had always looked out for Áine no matter what, Jim never really cared about them after he married Greta, so it was up to Amelia to take care of Áine. Amelia was three years older than Áine, and had been in her final year of college when Áine had started in college. This meant that they could always keep an eye out for each other.

Arriving at the tailor shop, Áine walked in where she was cheerfully greeted by Salina, and her mother Katie. Áine's cheerful smile turned to a look of horror when she saw a familiar person standing over in front of one of the mirrors. It was her old school rival Leah who matched Áine in terms of grades in school, and had often marginally pipped each other to the student of the year award, both of them holding the award three times. Spotting Áine, Leah marched over to her with a sarcastic smile on her face, Áine knew this was not going to be a good encounter. "Well, if it isn't my old rival Áine. The girl who prevented me from winning the student of the year award for a record breaking fourth time. I would have won it if you had not gotten a better grade in French. You shattered my chances of making school history that day, and it tore me apart for months on end. I was sure that I was going to win it for a fourth time, and then it was announced that you had won it. I did not eat or sleep properly for a month. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get fitted for a tuxedo for the opera tonight."