JUST A BAD DAY

Her alarm rang again and it came harshly, like it was already reminding her to begin her worse day.

Bea woke up instantly, not hurriedly. She needed to take her time to plan her worse day.

Her eyes were heavy and sleep deprived with big eyebag on them. Her messy blonde hair was all over her face, scattered. Saliva smeared all over cheeks and there wasn't a difference between her and a drunk, displaced addict.

She let out a big yawn, stretching herself to the fullest.

Since she got a job at a paper company, her life has been in a bad shape.

Tiredness is her identity. Being busy is her personality.

One look at her could tell her entire story. Her social life hasn't been updated and it has been that way for a long while now. Her whole life revolves from work to home.

What does a paper company do that always drains her out?

You all might be wondering right?

The running around, planning, executing and mostly running again was the order of her day.

All through the years, there was no difference. The same routine, the same cycle.

The alarm was relentless as it rang incessantly. Bea let out a deep groan and flung the alarm clock from the table with her worn-out pillow.

It made a hard thud as it landed on the floor, next to a piled up clothes. A dirty pile actually.

No time to do laundry too.

Bea looked so frustrated as she dragged herself from the bed. A bed that held so many secrets about her. The only thing that made sense to her– SLEEP.

Sighs left her mouth like each breath she took. Her thoughts rummaging through the fact that her day wasn't going to be any different as it is.

Bad day as usual– she admitted.

Her heavy body made its way to the bathroom where she sat on the toilet seat with her head bent down and fingers digging through her hair.

Processing on how to start the day. If only Bea knew that taking that job offer would cost her freedom, I think she would have kindly declined five years ago but the economy wasn't friendly to the unemployed.

Bea had been unemployed and seeking jobs since her graduation. It hasn't been easy for her and finally fate decided to smile at her again. She encountered her nemesis, Mrs Thomas.

The woman who happened to be her boss. Her wicked, self-centered and manipulative boss made her stay unbearable.

Bea was the perfect prey she could pry on. Bea's vulnerability was her satisfaction and she was faithful to torment her everyday.

Tick tock!

Bea was dressed up and already at the bus station. She was in a hurry and the bus hadn't arrived.

Well… who would believe that she was there so early that even the bus driver hadn't arrived… strange right?

Yes. That is Bea for you. Very punctual to work but not because she wants to but has to.

Number one rule at work is to be early but for her, she needs to be there before the gateman.

Tick tock!

The bus arrived and a sigh of relief left her lips. The door opened immediately as she slipped in.

“Good morning, Mr Richard.” She greeted with a tired smile, her eyes went to her favorite spot at the back.

It was a place she could sit and have a quick slumber before work.

“Good morning, Bea. How was your night?” The driver asked, looking at her from the rear view mirror to see that she had sat down as usual. He seemed to know her while looking at her with concern.

“Same. Still tired.” She replied and adjusted her head to the back.

“I will wake you at your stop.” The driver told her and started the bus. It was obvious that she was the only one at the bus station.

Immediately, she snored away.

Tick Tock!

“We are here.” The driver spoke from the speaker.

Bea opened her eyes to see that the bus had stopped. Still drowsy, she stood up, picked her bag and walked wobbly out of the bus.

The passengers were already used to her and her routines. Few were still concerned and the others considered it as a part of her.

“Thank you, Mr Richard.” She told him while paying before walking out of the bus.

“No problem. Have a great day!” He said with enthusiasm as he drove off.

Bea cursed under her breath when he said that.

Great day indeed!

Finally it dawned on her.

Reality has begun again.

Her heels clutched to her feet and bag crossed, Bea ran with the wind. Running smoothly like a pro. Obviously, she had been doing that for years. It was pretty easy for her.

She effortlessly dodged the incoming passerby and entered the coffee shop, close to her workplace. The girl at the table knew her and had prepared the coffee.

“Thank you, Maria.” Bea thanked with a sincere heart while grabbing the hot latte.

“No big deal. This is women helping women. It is the least I could do for you.” Maria replied, looking at her worryingly.

“You are such a sweetheart. Thank you. I gotta go.” Bea said to her, already heading for the door.

“Wait.” Maria called, running after her with a warm package and a nice aroma.

“What is this?” Bea asked, collecting the package with curiosity.

“I know you haven't had breakfast. Eat this before she arrives. You know who I mean, right?” Maria made a funny face that got Bea to melt away. A radiant smile on her face to encourage Bea.

“Maria. You have got my back for ages. This means a lot. You have given me hope that not all humans are bad. Thank you.” Bea told her with a sincere heart.

“I know. Just take care of yourself.” Maria advised, hoping she would listen.

Bea could only smile, knowing fully well that it was going to be impossible. Her day was already planned out for her.

With this, she dashed off again. Running across the street.

Luckily, the gate man was almost at the gate. Bea could only breath in relief and ran to the gate hoping she would clock in first before the gateman.

“Calm down, Bea.” The gate man spoke behind her.

Bea couldn't respond as she tried to catch her breath. She was beyond exhausted. The man tapped her shoulder firmly and gave her an approving nod before opening the gate.

“Thank you, Mr Evans.” Bea called out and strolled in hurriedly.

She switched on the lights, raised the window shield, set other things in motion before heading to her boss office to prepare for the day.

And all this while, the time was just 8. Work starts by 10 here. She had two hours to herself but it wasn’t enough to rejuvenate.

Piles of papers were already stacked up on her desk. It was hard to ignore them.

Bea took a deep breath, had her breakfast with a warm coffee before diving into work. Her fingers are constantly punching on the keyboard.

At work, she is a workaholic who is pretty good at her job. Her job wasn't the problem, her boss is.

An hour into work, the other workers appeared. All ignoring her as usual. It wouldn't be so but it was an instruction from the boss.

According to her, it was a way of keeping her preoccupied with her work, not distracted from making unnecessary conversations.

Everyone adhered for fear of losing their jobs. Bea had no choice but to comply also.

Exactly ten, Mrs Thomas walked in with style. Her stern face that was heavy with makeup and red heels that clicked hard on the tile made everybody cringed in fear. All the staff stood to welcome her, including Bea who stood by her door with the already cold latte in her hands.

“Good morning, Mrs Thomas.” Bea greeted with her head bowed.

She ignored her, took the coffee and went inside.

That short moment was excruciating as everyone was on their toes.

Bea paused by the door, waiting to be called in. It was a rule not to enter the office unless authorised to.

I..2..3

Bea counted as she waited and immediately, her name was being called sharply.

“Yes, Mrs Thomas.” Bea responded and went inside.

“Why is my coffee so cold?” She asked through gritted teeth, making a disgusted face.

“Urmm… you requested a cold latte. I did as you asked.” Bea defended, already trembling inside.

What could go wrong now?

“You did as I asked. Are you dumb?” Mrs Thomas snapped, mimicking Bea at her response.

“Sorry Mrs Thomas.” Bea quickly apologised, her head bent to the floor in embarrassment. Her palms curled up in a ball.

“Why are you so incompetent? Just a simple task and you can't deliver. Then what are you doing here? You ought to be fired!” Mrs Thomas yelled at her which caused her to flinch in fear.

Bea apologised again, pleading to keep her job. Mrs Thomas found pleasures seeing her so vulnerable and weak. She smirked deeply, twirling her chair around to enjoy her misery.

“ So what should I do to you? Tell me.” Mrs Thomas asked deeply, glaring hard at her.

“Give me a chance again and I will prove myself to you.” Bea requested with a plea.

“Hmmm… tell me in detail?” Mrs Thomas asked, smiling devilishly at her. Amused by her weakness.

“I will be loyal. I will be committed and I will do your bidding.” Bea said with a dejected tone. Her eyes were teary but she refused to let it fall.

Bea promised never to cry for her. It would be the last straw of losing her dignity. She had to be strong to endure everything, coming her way.

A smile always does the trick for her. Even though her heart and mind were tired.

“Good. Now get me another coffee.” Mrs Thomas commanded and tossed the remaining coffee at her which spilled on the table and the floor.

Bea was quick enough to shift back lest it spilled on her clothes. She took a deep breath and exhaled before leaving the office.

She came afterwards with a mop and bucket to clean the mess when she heard her boss talking over the phone.

The call was urgent and loud.

“ You would have sent it today. I need it today! This is very important to me.” Mrs Thomas yelled over the phone.

Her red fingernails drummed on the table due to anger. She wasn't really looking good. Whatever she needs must be very important.

Bea ignored and mopped up the spills away. She was still distraught when some particular words flew into her ears.

“Don't worry. I will send my secretary to you. She will come and get it.” Mrs Thomas told the caller, her eyes staring at Bea who was shocked by what she had heard.

Mrs Thomas ended the call and turned to Bea who had pretended that she didn't hear anything.

“Bea.”

“Bea!” She yelled in anger.

“Yes Mrs Thomas.” Bea replied, nervously.

“Are you deaf? Where did you put your ears?” She questioned angrily.

“Nowhere Mrs Thomas.” Bea replied, facing her.

Mrs Thomas took a long look at her, hissing loudly to spite Bea. She took a pen and wrote something inside a paper, before handing it to her.

“Take this. Go to that address and collect a package from Mr Gordon. I need that package today!” She instructed.

Bea took the paper and a loud gasp let out due to shock when she read the content.

“Mrs Thomas. This is… impossible.” Bea replied, still in disbelief.

This is impossible.

It's going to take half a day to get there.

This woman is crazy– Bea thought within.

“Wait. What did you say?”

“This place is very far. It is going to take a full day to get there. I can't go and come back today.” Bea flared up, raising her voice in the process.

“Oh… really? You are shouting at me because of a simple task? Bea have you grown wings to defile my order?” Mrs Thomas questioned heavily.

“But ma. It is going to be difficult unless I don't come back that day.” Bea suggested. Her boss wasn't pleased with her suggestion.

“Listen to me. If you don't get me what I want today. Consider your job gone. After all, you are so incompetent.” Mrs Thomas warned firmly. Her eyes glaring at Bea who was stunned by what she said.

“Mrs Thomas!” Bea stressed out.

“Prove to me that you are capable of this job or else you will be replaced. You know how it is out there without any job. It would take a minute to get your replacement. So get out of my office.” Mrs Thomas yelled, slamming her hands on the table.

Bea hurried away with the mop and the bucket. Her heart was heavy and her body was tired.

Outside the door, Bea stood still.

Her mind is working hard on two things.

Quit or stay.

A big part of her wanted to quit this torment of a cycle and be free.

Or

Staying to make a living even though living was a luxury for her.

All she craved was a good rest and peace of mind.

She missed the fun of life. To be free and enjoy even the tiny rays of sunlight sneaking through a cracked wall.

The storm was building closely around her and it was about to swallow her.

But

This was already a part of her.

A cycle she couldn't run from.

A bad day as usual.

To outlive everyday of her life.

It seems the choice has been made for her.

She squeezed the paper in her palm, assuring herself to pull through and think on how to make it possible to make it back.