4 THE OFFICE

Lora

It was around half past seven when I arrived at the printing firm. Everything seemed normal, the security guards were busy checking every one who come in and out of the building, the contracted cleaning company was doing their final touches before the official opening time at 8 am. I said hi to the security guard on duty who by now was used to me coming early, this was my habit since it allowed me extra 1hr to sneak into the company's library. I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and went straight to the library to grab a book, the library was huge, stocked with a lost of stories the firm had published. This was my escape room whenever I was free. My duties in this firm included, being sent from one office to another to deliver paper work that needed to be edited or to be signed and to get tea and any type of snacks the visitors needed. In a nutshell I was very busy and by the end of the day I had no energy, anyway, I was in no position to complain.

I had sunk myself in an erotic novel forgetting all about work. The massive wall clock reminded me that I was 10min late and Amanda the Chief Editor's secretary would give me another lecture. We really didn't get along with her, not that we had bad blood or anything but I felt like she didn't like me and one thing for sure is that energy never lie.

Amanda was a pretty lady, her model flame body attracted a lot of attention around all departments, she had small emerald eyes and long blonde hair that reached her waist. She always carried herself with her head held high and walk like she owned the place. Sometimes I admired her beauty but she had this behavior of batting her eyes every time she saw a man and above all her attitude sacked. She always reminded me of highschool mean girls but I was here to work.

I passed her desk complimenting her dressing since it was the only way I could win her mercy and avoid a long lecture on how I was a useless member in the company. Sometimes she would bruise my ego, but ignoring negativity was my best trait and it got me to where I was in life. She was in good mood today, she quickly gave me my work for today which involved setting the board room and preparing snacks for meeting that was to take place at noon.

I took my job seriously since this was the most paying job I had. I prepared the board room and everything that was necessary for the meeting, then went for lunch with Aruba. She was the first person to ever welcome me at the company, though we were not from the same department she always came to fetch me for lunch.

After the lunch break I went back to arrange the board room. When I was through Amanda called me in to go and take some paper work to mr. Joe, the company's chief editor. I have been to his office twice or thrice hence I needed no directions, on my arrival to his office, I knock gently and waited for his invite. When there was no reply from the other side, I just stood outside but he personally answered the door. He was busy with a conversation on his phone but he gesture for me to place the files on his desk.

His office was big and every time I to come here I always felt bad about my situation as a office messager, his office was overlooking the big city below and you could see what was happening on the streets, the huge floor to celling windows allowed a lot of natural light in the room. The furniture was fashionably placed with his big mahogany table at the middle and some fine lather couches for the visitors.

I was still admiring my surrounding taking in all the luxuries of his working space when I felt two hands sneaking around my waist. "Like what you see?" I Felt his disgusting smell on my neck as he pushed me closer pressing his body on me. "God this was not happening, please don't let his take advantage of me" I prayed silently. I was not breathing anymore as I felt his mouth near my neck. Mr Joe's had crept his hands up to my chest, my skin erupted with disgust as I tightly closed my eyes, and the he turned me to face me. "Look at me doll face" I lifted my eyes to look at him, he had a devious smile that stretched to his ears.

My frozen brain then came to life, I kicked him where it would hurt him the most. He let out a stream of curses as I reached for the door not waiting for him to recover. I passed through Amanda's desk as she threw me her signature bored look that I never noticed at that moment. Heading to the storage room where I had my bags, I meet Aruba to whom I quickly explained to the horrifying events that had taken place in mr. Joe's office. I knew that sooner or later I could be fire for kicking the bosses nuts and maybe destroying his feature generation.

I left the building in haste afraid that Joe would come after me or worse send the security to come for me. I hated when I got this emotions and above all I hated when men did not respect me. I began my route to my apartment thought on my way home realization hit me, I had lost my job. The babysitting one didn't pay me much and the family was out of the country for a 3months vacation the only job I had left was at the pub.

When I got home the weather was cold, I had goosebumps everywhere, I rushed into my house and threw myself on the couch and I cried my miseries out.

It was time like this I always wished I had a family or a roommate but I was all alone, I had learnt to embrace struggles alone, but I there were times I wish I had someone to help me carry my burdens.