Chapter 5: First piece work of the day

Industries were booming in all the sector of the economy and under normal circumstances graduates should be employed as soon as they leave college or university. The problem is nepotism and greed managers. Managers would prefer to employ their relatives or friends or someone who have paid money to get the job than a qualified and competitive employee who can bring new innovation to the company. In some instances they will prefer to employ part-time workers who will get a fraction of the standard salary than to employ a qualified worker.

So today John was going to look for a piece-work. But at the moment he was enjoying a ride with the most beautiful girl. Siting on the passenger front seat while looking at Sharon driving her car, the smell of her perfume was mesmerizing. He really like this feeling. He had no idea where Sharon was going and what he should say to break the ice. Something was definitely changing between the two of them. 

A sexy smile crept on Sharon's mouth when she stole a glace at John while driving, she licked her lips as if she wanted to say something to him but she didn't say anything. It was as if she was afraid of something.

"Thanks Sharon", that's what John could only say. He really wanted this ride to last forever. He wished for a road trip with Sharon and no one else but the two of them. If only one day he could have that chance.

"For what? We are just going in the same direction so there is no need for you to thank me". She was driving slowly so she was able to look at John passionately and there was no traffic in the road they were using, so it wasn't dangerous to look at him. 'I really like him, only if he felt the same about me', she thought to herself licking her lips again. John did not notice it, he was lost in his thoughts. "If only we could go on a road trip together like this, what do you think?"

John froze for a second and turned to look at her. It was like she read his mind or something. He was kind of petrified, going on a road trip with her was a big deal to him. It was something that family or those who are dating would do. Going on a trip to resort areas and those tourist attraction areas. It was more romantic than a friendship thing, so he was terrified of what her parents will think and let alone her boyfriend. However, John wasn't stupid, he knew what she was trying to do or rather the message she was saying to him.

"WATCH THE ROAD!!! Kkkkk", he was about to answer something when he noticed an oncoming car so he shouted at the same time laughing. She controlled her car like a pro she was and drove on but she was still waiting for his answer. She already knew the answer but she wanted him to say it. "You almost got us killed", John continued laughing. "We can go at Maronga shopping center, Mr Chitsa promised me piece work last week."

He was avoiding answering her question but, he knew what they both wanted, to go out together. However, circumstances were tricky at the moment.

Maronga shopping center was not far, so she drove him there while they were chatting and laughing, and mostly flirting. He really wanted this feeling to last, but he has to go and work.

He got off at the shops and Sharon drove back home. I guess she just wanted to drive him to work. I think if he was going to the industrial areas she was going to drive him there.

John hurried to Heavenly Gardens where Mr Chitsa works. Heavenly Gardens was a resort area with a well maintained garden of beautiful flowers and roses. The whole resort seated on a 1.5 hectares with 1.2 hectares containing lawn, flowers and trees. It was a beautiful place often booked for weddings and parties. John wished to come to this place with Sharon for fun and partying. Booking at Heavenly Gardens wasn't cheap, taking picture would cost at least $100 and for partying, one has to hold at least $1000 for every twenty people added. So, coming to this place was only a dream for him.

John walked briskly to the receptionist where he was greeted by young lady around late twenties. "How are you sir? We are not hiring". Seeing John coming inn, she already knew him from when he came looking for a job, so she quickly said those words before he said something. 

Upon hearing those words, John frowned and there was a boulder on his throat. He was angry but there was nothing that he could do about it. "I'm here to see Mr Chitsa he said I should come here today for a part-time job of trimming lawn and trees". She noticed a change in his face but she didn't care about it.

'If only I have a job, these people won't be treating me this way. I really have to find a job so that I won't be living like this. This is hard and humiliating, a person with a degree looking for a part-time job of trimming lawn. How disappointing', snared in his mind. "You can work at the back of this office block he is coming over there to tell you where you should trim. Make sure you don't disturb our guest there who are having their good time please!" She said with a disgusted face while directing him where he should wait for Mr Chitsa. There was nothing he could do or say to her other than following what she said. 

At the back of the office block there were trees planted in the most attractive way, beautiful shrubs and lawn. Under the tree there were concrete benches with a flowery design and here and there there were garden chairs and tables for guests to leisurely sit on them. 

While he was enjoying the sight, Mr Chitsa came and jogged him from his thoughts. "Hi John, you came early. That's good. Today there are guests who are coming around eleven, so we want you to be done by then. I was to trim the lawn first then..." Mr Chitsa spoke without giving John room to respond. He wanted him to finish trimming and cleaning 1.2 hectares before eleven in the morning of the same day. At the moment it was 05 54hours which means he has only 5 hours to do this job. Wait how much was he getting for this tiresome job? It was only $80! How humiliating a degreed person working for only $80. 

On top of that these people looked at him as if he was uneducated and they always have a look of disgust on their faces. In face of these people, he always question his purpose of living in this world. He also wonder whats wrong with them that they have to treat him like that. 

When Mr Chitsa have finished explaining what has to be done and where to get the tools and which areas not to visit during what time, he was about to turn around and go back to his office when John asked about how much he is getting on this job.

"I'm paying you $70 this time, there is not much to do. The lawn and shrubs don't need much trimming".

"$70 with the time frame you are giving me is not worthy it. Last time you gave me more than that and I was doing it at my own pace." 

"Okay $75."

"$100!"

"$85."

"$100!"

"Okay! Okay $100 then but by 11 00hours you should be done".

"Okay sir"

John hurried to the storeroom to collect the tools and started his work. Just like Mr Chitsa has said, there was not much to do. The problem might be cleaning the trimming branches and grasses otherwise trimming everything only took two hours while cleaning took him two and half hour. All in all it took four and half hours to finish everything. He was a working machine, no wonder the muscles were bulging through his shirt. 

His first piece work of the day was done.