Hard Decisions

**Chapter 1**

It was late. Donna grabbed a bunch of files from Louis's desk and returned to her cabin to find Paula Agard waiting for her.

"Paula!" Donna said in a surprised voice. "What are you doing here? Oh, um you are here for Harvey, right? But he is not here. He left about an hour ago"

"I am not here for Harvey. I am here to see you." said Paula.

"Me? What would you want with me?" Donna said.

"Sorry, I came without calling you first. I hope you don't have any plans" Paula said.

"Oh no I don't. I am done for the day. I was just about to leave."

"Can we talk somewhere in private?" Paula asked.

"You want to go and have a drink somewhere?" Donna asked.

"Okay" Paula agreed.

"Just give me a minute. I'll grab my things" Donna said.

"I will wait for you downstairs" Paula said and walked away leaving Donna to herself.

The minute she was gone, Donna sat down in her chair regretting having agreed to go out with her. She couldn't think of what Paula would want with her. She knew it had something to do with Harvey. Her heart was pounding. Was this about the kiss she and Harvey had? Had he told her and she was here to confront her? No, she didn't look angry. Maybe she was gonna ask her about his likes or dislikes or His favourite restaurant or whatever... Donna really couldn't tell. And she didn't feel like having any sort of conversation with Paula at the moment. She wished she could avoid her and take a cab straight home. But she knew she couldn't. Dreading of what was about to come, Donna slowly made her way downstairs. She saw Paula waiting for her on the sidewalk.

"You know Donna, this won't take much time so I thought maybe we could talk here" Paula said.

"Okay. What is it?" Donna asked.

"Did Harvey talk to you about..?" Paula questioned.

"About what?" Donna said.

"Well..." said Paula. "I have nothing to feel embarassed you know but this situation is really awkward."

"Paula please I am not-"

"I know you kissed him Donna. He told me." Paula said cutting her mid -sentence.

"Oh" said Donna. "Look Paula... I am really sorry... I-"

"I am not pleased with whatever is going on" Paula said. "This bothers me"

"Paula I am sorry. I really am" Donna said looking everywhere but at Paula.

"Why did you even do it? You knew we were in a relationship and still you did it anyway." Paula asked staring at her.

"I - uh..." Donna stuttered.

Because I love him!

She wanted to scream at Paula but she kept quiet. For the first time in her life Donna felt at loss for words.

"Yeah, I knew you wouldn't have any answer to that... so anyway... Like I said these things bother me. I don't like to feel threatened in my own relationship so I have a solution and Harvey agrees with me" said Paula.

"What solution?" Donna asked looking perplexed.

There was a pause and then Paula said, "Why don't you look for employment somewhere else?"

It took Donna an entire minute to let Paula's words sink in. "Excuse me... what?"

"You heard me. You are talented and you have years of work experience at Pearson Specter Litt. You will get a job anywhere" Paula said.

"You've got to be kidding me" Donna said half laughing as if Paula had uttered a bad joke.

"I am not joking, Donna" Paula said.

"You are asking me to quit my job! Are you crazy?" Donna said looking scandalised.

"I think it is best for all of us. Harvey and I both think so" Paula said.

Now Donna couldn't stand it anymore. Angry tears welled up her eyes.

"Oh, Harvey agrees with you, does he? He never mentioned a thing to me!" Donna said fiercely.

"He wouldn't say anything to you. I knew that and that's why I am came to you. If you back off yourself, he wouldn't have to do it. You and I both know how much it will hurt him to fire you." Paula said.

"I have earned this position because I have been working my ass off all these years! This job means everything to me. I am not going to give it up like that! How dare you suggest something like that to me? You are a career oriented woman Paula and you are suggesting that I quit my job just because you think I am threat to your and Harvey's relationship? " Donna yelled causing passers by to stare at them.

Paula scoffed. "I think?! Tell me one thing donna, do you swear that whatever happened between you and Harvey the other day will never happen again?"

"What?" Donna asked caught rather off guard by Paula's question.

"It's a simple question" Paula said. "Do you promise that nothing of that sort will happen between you and Harvey in future?"

Donna hesitated, unable to get the words out.

The memory of that night jogged back to her. She might not have been entirely truthful to Harvey but for her it was just a kiss. It was THE KISS. It had changed everything, for her atleast. She could still remember the fuzzy feeling of having him so close...

"There" Paula said in a satisfied tone breakimg into Donna's thoughts. "That pause explains everthing Donna. That's why I dared to ask you to leave this job. And who knows maybe Harvey too feels threatened by your presence and that's why he agrees with me"

"Paula please..." Donna began, her voice quavering a bit.

"I don't want to hear it. I said what I had to say and I think you should really think about resigning." Paula said.

"That's not your place to decide." Donna said shaking with anger. "THAT'S NOT YOUR FUCKING PLACE! And you know what? If Harvey doesn't have the balls to come and tell me to quit my job himself, I am not going to step down - EVER. Because it hurts that this came from you and not from him. You came into his life just now Paula but we have known each other for thirteen goddamn years! And I think it is his place to decide whether I should quit my job or not"

"Donna that's what I am trying to tell you. The only reason he is not telling you because you are his friend and you have worked for this firm since many years and obviously it is difficult for him t-"

"WELL THEN I DON'T FUCKING CARE!" Donna yelled at Paula. "IF YOU CANT KEEP YOUR BOYFRIEND IN CHECK THEN IT'S YOUR PROBLEM, NOT MINE! BUT DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME TO QUIT MY JOB BECAUSE I AM NOT!"

Donna had never felt so helpless and angry in her life. Without waiting for Paula to answer, she walked away avoiding the stares she was getting from people around her. She hailed a taxi and drove home.

TO BE CONTINUED... PLEASE REVIEW!