1. Late

I woke up late.

It was my first day at work and I hadn't been able to sleep at all the night before. The stress and nightmares of how I ended up losing a better paying job and had to settle for a lesser paying job upset me more than I dared to show. I'd smile for hours during the day, be polite and act like it was all behind me. Whenever I was alone and in the safety of my house, the facade would break and I'd start crying like a little baby.

My swollen eyes made it hard to see my way and I sighed as I walked to the bathroom. I had rented a small house which happened to be self-contained. I had lived in it since I came to K town. I figured a smaller house would be better because I'd have trouble sleeping alone in a big house. Heck, I was a single woman and I had never had a person sleep overnight in my house. This was my first time living alone and away from home. The adventures were numerous.

Sighing, I pushed back unruly hair. I hadn't plaited it before sleeping the night before. The perm made it more manageable, so all I needed was to de-tangle it then run a comb through it.

I got ready for work in the next thirty minutes, grabbed a bite and headed to the curb to wave down a PSV. Eventually, one stopped and I got in. The short trip always made me feel exhilarated because I'd stare at Mt. E for a long time, wondering if the peak would show due to lesser cloud cover.

'I need to climb that one of these days,' I always told myself as a form of encouragement. I was excited all the time about getting out of my comfort zone, but with my recent issues, I was too afraid. All I could do was wish for a better day, for better chances and hope that things would change for me.

"Fare ma'am."

"Oh. Here." I had forgotten it once again. I had too many thoughts in my head. It sucked.

"Change, ma'am."

His red eyes were on me. He didn't say anything else, but I could already tell what he was thinking. 'Why would a pampered looking princess be worried about anything?' I could tell because his face was an open book.

I hated being an open book. I took the money and looked down at my phone. There was nothing. Not even a message. Was the network connection good?

"Last stop!" the conductor called, and the remaining passengers alighted with me. It was then that I saw the time on the city clock and groaned. I was late!

Instead of walking as was originally planned, i waved a commercial rider down and got on his motorbike. Within minutes, we made it there and I paid before rushing into the compound and past security with a big smile showing my dimple popping at them. The guy simply waved while laughing.

I made it to the office and smiled at the reception. It seemed like very few people had actually made it on time. The traffic hadn't been the best either.

"He wants to see you," the secretary said with a sweet smile. I froze. 'oh for the love of-'

"Sure thing Alice." I followed, my heart beating out of control, just then noticing the camera at the entrance. Shoot, I had even forgotten he could see everything happening right from the door to the rest of the building.

Alice knocked on the door and I heard his deep voice call a reply. She pulled it open and then she was pushing me in to his sight. My eyes were wide in fear as she shut the door behind her.

"Late on your first day. What an awful start!"

Why did I have to go back to bed after taking a shower? Shoot! Me! Now!