Chapter 1 Troubled

“Please I’d love it if you never called me again!” I said and slammed my phone on the bedside table.

On second thought, I hope I didn’t crack my phone.

I immediately take off my eye mask and inspect my phone. Thankfully, it wasn’t broken. I breathe in a sigh of relief. I really couldn’t afford a new phone right now.

Imagine if I get my phone broken because I was pissed off at some stupid ex. I had broken up with him a long time ago but somehow he thought it was okay to call me today.

Sighing once more, I get out of my bed and look at my face in the mirror. The eye bags sat comfortably under my eyes. I sigh once more.

At this point, I don’t know who sighed more between a snail, snake and I.

Oh, snakes don’t sigh, they hiss. So much for being an educated individual.

I throw on a baggy shirt on the bralette I had on and head to the sitting room.

It was still early in the afternoon and I thought I’d be able to sleep for a while before I went out for the work meeting I had to attend later. I rarely sleep at night these days. No, not because I work at night. I just can’t seem to sleep at night.

I don’t want to take any medications and I have refused to admit that I had insomnia.

I have always been a big sleeper, I just don’t know what was wrong this time. I have decided to address it as something temporary.

“Oh Ixora, I thought you were asleep.” Jessica, my roommate said as she saw me.

“I can’t seem to sleep. Well I was asleep before some idiot called me, totally distorting my sleep that was so hard to find,” I said and sighed again. What was wrong with me and sighing countless times today?

“That’s sad. Have you considered taking sleep medication?” She asked me

“No, I haven’t. I do not want to take any medication that my body may want to rely solely on for sleep.” I said.

“I think you should take some though…” she said and threw some popcorn into her mouth.

I threw myself on the couch and watched TV with her. She was watching some kind of entertainment news.

“The biggest corporation in the world from our very own country the United States of America,” the presenter paused and smiled proudly, “has bought 10 small companies and flipped them into million dollar companies in the space of three months,” she continued.

“Hmm, three months? It seemed this biggest company turned things to gold.” I said jokingly.

“If it’s Smith incorporation, then, Yes, they turn everything to gold. I’m sure if I went into that company now, I’ll become gold. They’re really good.” She said. Jessica knew bits and bits about business because her family was into it.

“5 of these companies are in the United States. Other companies are in the United Kingdom, China, India, Australia, South Africa.” The presenter stated.

I must admit, I was impressed.

“Among the five companies in the United States, one is in publishing, the other in media and entertainment, two in food production and the last in finance. Let’s not forget that this company has invested heavily in agriculture. This company is no other than Smith Incorporation.” The Presenter finished.

“I said it!” Jessica exclaimed.

“Did you know their headquarters office is not so far from us?” She asked.

“No, I didn’t.” I replied. Maybe I should get a job there. Because my bills were part of the reasons why I couldn’t sleep.

“I have bill-induced insomnia,” I said to myself and chuckled at the absurdity of that.

“Jess, I have to go in to work for a brief meeting,” I notified Jessica and got up.

I dressed up and left for the meeting.

***

“We have a big event coming up. I want all of you to get ready. Prepare! Do whatever you have to. I don’t want anyone slacking!” My boss, Miss Williams screamed.

I really couldn’t understand why she was shouting. This is supposed to be a meeting for god’s sake. It was worse because I sat in front and had her saliva all over me.

Will I tell her that? No. She’s always right but at least she pays promptly even if the pay was beginning to seem very mediocre.

“Remember not to be personal with the guests. This is a high profile wedding and only high profile individuals will be in attendance.” She rambled on.

“Ixora! Ixora!” I hear her call my name.

“Yes Ma’am?” I immediately reacted.

“Why are you zoning out in the middle of an important meeting?” She asked.

Important indeed. With her repeating what she says in every other meeting?

“I’m sorry ma’am, it won’t happen again.” I apologize, just as any employee would do. Isn’t it crazy how you have to apologize for everything Even when you’re right? Surviving in the present world isn’t for the weak.

“It better not! Imagine if you zoned out while working?” She asked. What a foolish question. If I zone out while working, I’ll fall flat on my face when I stand while working.

“I’m sorry ma’am, I’ll try my best not to zone out while at work,” I apologize once more and I hear some of my colleagues chuckle.

Miss Williams tutted and went back to her lecture.

***

The meeting was thankfully over. After the meeting I had decided to speak to my boss about a raise but she turned down my request.

Feeling downcast, I decided to take a different route home.

I now saw the headquarters office of Smith Incorporated that Jessica talked about. It wasn’t just a big company, the building was gigantic!

Maybe I should try getting a job here. I’m sure the pay would be much better and maybe there wouldn’t be so much nagging.

I walked towards the building but I felt out of place. I wasn’t dressed like someone who should be given a job there. I shyly withdrew. I’ll return well prepared.

***

I get into my apartment and my roommate is cooking

“Hey, you’re back,” she said .

“Yes, what are you making?” I asked.

“Mac and cheese,” she replied.

“Oh that’s nice.” I said as she continued.

“Umm,” I cleared my throat and started “please I know I am far behind on my rent but I’ll see what I can do before the end of the month.” I finished.

“Oh that’s not a problem, do you want some food? I’m done cooking.” She asked.

“I’m serious, I’ll try to raise some money soon.” I said.

“That’s not a problem, Ixora. It’s not a problem and has never been a problem.” She said, suddenly very serious.

“Here, take your food and rate my cooking,” she says jokingly and hands me a plate.

I ate and tried not to think of my troubles.