Chapter 4

The upcoming seconds felt unpleasant. Some dreading moments. I had to take an adequate decision once and for all.

It was so silent, could hear the flies buzzing away. 

" I appreciate the new offer, you've made."

" I'm up for it!"

" I think, it will be a major boon for both of us, thus I accept your offer!"

What a major click! Now the whole atmosphere changed.

We did the common agreement handshake.

That was to sign off the offer. I saw his hand coming towards me, I was aware that he was pleased with my verdict.

" Great! You made a good decision this time."

" You will come across a few bumps during this journey."

" You must be more mature, the way you talk, dress and places you go to"

" From now onwards, you will eat or sleep in different places. I'd say superior class places."

" This job will be rewarding though, you will have to be more discreet from now onwards."

" Here is the pen, make sure to read and acknowledge the contract."

" Okay, sure!"

A few pages of some long scripted words. It was the traditional rules and regulations.

They didn't demand me to disclose any further private details as much, however, I get it, it's already a highly demanding and risky job.

I quickly signed off the deal.

And that was it?

Was it?

We proceeded with some talking and explanations concerning my upcoming tasks. We eventually introduced me to some of his staff members. The crucial one was his assistant.

" If you are ever in trouble with anyone whatsoever, tell him, he will have your back."

I instantly felt like a significant component of their squad. Probably, I was, well who knows. 

" I'm handing you an envelope with some money. This will cover your expenses and leisure expenses."

" Ohh, Thank you! Appreciate it!"

" Don't worry you will be given money quite frequently."

" You will need it"

However, at that, I was already working elsewhere. I had to resign from there so that I could work with Alexander.

Frederick wasn't aware of anything whatsoever,

" Come here tomorrow, I'll explain to you furthermore for your upcoming duties.

I went out happily and walked out of his office. I strolled a bit in that small alleyway, I had some money, and I didn't need to take the bus anymore. Got a cab from there and headed home.

By that time, I hadn't many things to complete. I finished with some pending studies, and eventually, Frederick came back home.

I was living in a residential area with Fredrick. Quite small, however sufficiently enough for a few young people.

Down a few blocks were some shops, where I used to hand out the most. Relatively cheap, although it wasn't safe at all. On numerous occasions, I got threatened by the local thugs for anonymous reasons. They eventually got used to me and did give them a few bucks from time to time to feed their empty stomachs.  

We did have a small garden. I was assigned to regularly clean and cut the deserted grass. I enjoyed this small work. A few blocks away from Frederick's house, I got engaged in cleaning those houses for a few bucks. Well, it was quite time-consuming, however, couldn't complain much.

That day, I was supposed to labour there a bit. I had sufficient money, was it even necessary for me to work picking those dirty leaves and wiping out those rusty mailboxes?

Well, I had to halt my arrogance, I had to make them think that I'm still a broke student. However, less they did know was that I was a member of Alexander's fraternity. I approached the first house's entrance and pressed that bell. Waited for a solid two minutes. These people were so damn arrogant and always treated me ruthlessly.

It started raining before the sunset. I was so irritated. I practically had finished most of it, I rushed to the main entrance. Got my money, and ran to the house. It was raining cats and dogs. The streets were impracticable, I temporarily waited under a tree until the rain cessed. I had a small crushed cigarette in my right pocket. I lit the cigarette and began smoking whilst watching the raindrops splashing against the asphalted street.

I don't know if it's just me, but as soon as the rain begins, I keep on imagining the weirdest things possible. What made it even worse, was that I got drenched in the rain whilst smoking my cigarette. Something really did feel to be off at that time.

I was delighted cause at times I didn't really like staying at someone's place rent-free. I was surely annoying him at that time, although he did borrow money from me quite often. We helped each other quite frequently with some money.

I had quite a lot of money in my pocket. I never kept any money at home when I wasn't present there. Cause I never trusted Frederick, well, it wasn't just him because quite a lot of people just coming and going out. People often visited Frederick at his place. To this day, I don't get why people go there at his place. I had no clue what he was up to.

I was exhausted and starving to death. I made a phone call to a local pizza shop. I ordered a large pizza for both of us. I waited for the food. I was starving, it seemed that both of us were starving.

We giggled a bit here and there, but I was so tired. I had to wake up early the next. I had a packed day coming up. I strolled to the fridge and pulled out a can of soda. Popped it off, took my cigarette and lighter and went to sit on that swing on the balcony. The breeze was so fresh and lenient. Especially after it rained, it was so refreshing. I smoked that cigarette to bring me back to normal after that fatiguing day.

Quite a lot of actions and things happened in the morning. I proceeded by walking to the kitchen. I crushed the can of soda and tossed it in the trash can. The cigarette certainly soothened my whole body and I felt quite relieved afterwards. I was completely depleted, I was starting to doze off whilst standing, it was something quite rare. It never happened to me in the past. I splash some cold water on my face and rambled to my room.

I don't know if it's just me or not, but I feel that mattresses' comfort increases depending on to what extent you are tired. The more I get tired the more my mattress gets comfortable. The mattress itself wasn't any extraordinary one, quite dirty and what seemed to be very aged. At the very start, I frequently had back problems, luckily it decreased with time. I made sure to set an alarm for the next morning. I can never wake up by myself without an alarm. I got topless and shovelled under the bedsheet.  I instantly fell asleep without any disturbing stress.

The next day arose, the sky was sunny and shining. I woke up just on time for Alexander's phone call. He instructed me to head toward a nearby gas station, as there will be a car in the parking lot waiting for me. I couldn't have my breakfast either, I had to rush to the gas station as the driver was waiting for my arrival. I just grabbed my backpack and an apple. I was off to the gas station. There wasn't much walking to be done to reach the gas station. Just a few blocks away, shops and voila! I reached my destination.

" Hi, how are you doing?"

" I'm one of Alexander's drivers, so here are the keys for the vehicle and welcome once again to our family."

" Oh sure thank you" I politely replied to the young man.

The car was rather new or almost. The black paint of the car couldn't get any fresher and shiny. When I stepped into the car, I was amazed by its ' new car smell'.

At that moment, I really felt privileged to be driving such a car and just being happier than I was before. I struggled a bit with driving cause at that time I wasn't really an expert driver. The minutes flew by and I reached my destination.

I tiptoed to the office where I used to work for after my classes. I never knew that this day would come sooner than I thought. I asked the secretary if I could meet the recruiting manager. I noticed that the secretary had changed.

The former secretary was by far better than the current one. The current queried me quite a bit for no reason.  Well,  I won't get to see her any longer. I took a deep breath and replied to her questions as politely as I could. Voila! The permission was granted, and I went to the required floor. I could still remember the first day I came here and to what extent I was happy on that day. I can't complain any further, they do know how to treat their employees adequately.

During my days there, I never felt unwanted or uncomfortable. It was a must to thank the person who recruited me with no reluctance, especially at that time I needed work shortly.

I sat by the window and just kept on glaring at my watch. Kept on thinking back to my rather short spell here. Suddenly, the manager approached with a rather disappointed face. I didn't know what was wrong. I couldn't make him more upset as he was already quite upset. He already seemed tensed. Luckily he didn't see me, I tiptoed out from there.

" I'll probably return someday," I told myself.

I managed to get out of the building without anyone recognising me. I always despised it when people recognised me in public. I mostly avoided meeting people, however, this habit will have to come to an end. I needed to get used to interacting with strangers moreover to be at ease when talking to someone too.

I began smoking cigarettes whilst driving. It was quite misty and sunny at the same time, the weather was really like my mood.

What a damn coincidence! The sky eventually, got clear and shiny. It seems that the sky heard my words. I went by to a local nearby coffee shop. I reached the parking lot, safely parked the car and headed toward the shop.

" Hello, just one regular cappuccino with a croissant, please"

That was my usual order line in any coffee shop I go to. Got my drink, and my food and went to sit down by the window. Since my early days, I adored sitting by the window in any place. Just a few minutes later, my phone rang. I saw Alexander's name popping about. Without any hesitation, I halted doing what I was doing and proceeded to answer his call. He seemed to be in a hurry. He wasn't in his genuine talking mood either. He simply was straight to the point with his rather rigid voice. I acknowledged it and ceased doing whatever I was doing. I just took my coffee and headed to the parking lot.

Just before exiting the shop, I handed out the waiter a generous tip. It probably made his day. It made mine, he smiled back and acknowledged my little help. Got into the car, looked front and back, changed gears and I was off. I was eager to see what was awaiting me there. 

I tries opening my cigarette box that was located in the small compartment of their car using my right hand only. My left hand remained on the steering wheel navigating left and right delicately. I lit my cigarette using the car's tiny lighter. Instant relief, the first inhale just softened my whole self. I don't know what was it but, but it really gave comfort to my body and inner peace.

I inhaled and exhaled throughout whilst listening to some good old songs on the radio's playlist. My backpack was perfectly kept in the backseats of the car. Safe and sound! I kept on cruising the car around.

I reached the locality. It was the first time I went to that locality whilst driving. I was baffled by those one way or two ways roads. I drove by a road, well, can't even call it a road. It was a puddle of weird liquid. What seemed to be like oil, perhaps a truck or somewhat broke down nearby.

Nah! Too risky to drive here! It was way too slippery, I took the next right and it was better than the previous road. This road seemed to be quite busy, there were a lot of delivery trucks unloading goods. Occasionally, I saw a few posh vehicles passing by. I wonder what those cars are doing in such a remote locality. Anyways, I parked a bit far from Alexander's office. He told me so. I had to obey him, he probably knew why he told me to park at a different place.

I walked for a solid 5 minutes till there. It suddenly became a greyish afternoon. Surprisingly, his assistant opened for me the door. He greeted me with a grin on his face. He seemed to be in an outstanding mood. We exchanged for a bit. He always burst into laughter as soon as I spoke with him. Well, I didn't mind it too much, we patiently waited for Alexander's arrival.

Twenty minutes went down the drain and Alexander popped out of nowhere.

" Seems like he came from a crucial meeting." His assistant discreetly murmured in my right ear.

" Ohh! That's nice!" I replied.

" Well, not really, depends"

"Anyways"

" Excuse me for my lateness, have a seat." Alexander politely excused himself.

" So without any further delay, I will need you tomorrow for a small mission."

" Nothing to be worried about, Alright?"

" You will also get the opportunity to discover your new colleagues too."

" So see you tomorrow, right?"

I reasonably affirmed everything he said. His assistant disappeared, I didn't know where in the world was he. I tiptoed out from those two heavy wooden doors. Got into the car, and called Frederick to check out what he was up to. As expected, he was home sitting in the living all by himself.

He still didn't know that I have a car. I already knew what 'excuse' to tell him.

Just the usual, "My friend borrowed me his car for a few days." Voila! As simple as it can get. By that time, I became quite addicted to smoking cigarettes. I couldn't bother to halt smoking soon. I lit one menthol flavoured cigarette and rolled the window down.

I was off to pick up Frederick and perhaps to go roam somewhere in town with the car. I suddenly adored driving and became an expert in just a few hours. Ultimately, I reached my locality. Before picking up Frederick, I had to collect my mini paycheck from one of those neighbours. I clean their yard quite regularly, thus they pay me quite generously. Got my money, well deserved and earned. I picked up Frederick and we headed towards the city centre. We had a wonderful time together. Just pure vibing with him. Had a few beers, not much cause I had to drive and wake up quite early the next day.

From there on we returned home, I smoked a few cigarettes during that frame of time. I had a cold shower in that old rusty bathtub. It was so horrendous, that you had to think twice before stepping in for a shower. Well, I got used to it and speaking of hot running water. Well, I prefer not to go into detail any further. I perhaps think that Frederick doesn't even know what's hot water. I was done with my shower, I went to the kitchen with hopes of finding something to eat. My hopes were shattered immediately, there was absolutely nothing to eat. I completely had forgotten to buy some groceries on my way home from the local grocery shop. I couldn't expect Frederick to buy groceries either, he was as broke as a university student.

The countertop was full of plastic wrappers and a bottle of water. Frederick was sleeping by then, probably with an empty stomach too. I had a cigarette left in my pocket, so presumably, that will fill my stomach till the next day.

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