The One that got away

Chapter One

Monday, 7A.M

I'm late! Well, this is truly "Monday Blues". Ugh! The taxis were all taken. The buses that passed-by were all packed with people and my car chose to break down today.

It’s still seven in the morning but it feels like twelve-noon. The sun is shining angrily above us and the smoke from all vehicles that passed us by-me and other’s in the waiting shed-are making me feel more stuffy under this small roof. I'm all sweat and irritated just as the taxi stopped in front of me. I grab the chance before anybody does but to my dismay, it doesn't have any air conditioning. I threw my bag on the other side of the back seat and slam the door close. As much as I could, I tried to make myself comfortable and relax but my sweat keeps pouring down my face and my back. Maybe the irritation shows in my face because the taxi driver apologized for my inconvenience. I smile weakly and nodded.

I lean my head back, pull my hair up and tie it carelessly to at least feel some air if there is before I put on my headset. I need to have this negativity out of my head and my system for the meantime. I'm sure my boss has a lot of negativity for me today. Samantha this.... Samantha that... Why are you late? You could've... You should've... Blah blah blah..And it's so early.

"♫♫....I must've been high to say you and I weren't meant to be and just wasting my time....♫♫"

I'm still hooked up with Chris Daughtry's "Life after you". Its so weekends' LSS and I don't need to carry-on with this song for the whole week. Darn it! I would want to press next on my iPod if I’m on the mood to take it out from my purse. The volume is in full blast but again, I am not in the mood to lower it down either.  I tilt my head and look out the window. The rhythm of the songs in my playlist are taking my soul and wander somewhere in Asia-maybe South Korea. With this weather, there is no place I would rather be but in some cold places.  

"Where to, ma'am?" I heard the taxi driver asked. I might've switched off reality ompletely and off to my world again since I didn't notice we almost pass-by my destination.

"I'm here. Stop!" I freaked out. The taxi stopped abruptly and I bounce back in the back seat. "I'm sorry, Mr." I apologized. He said it’s okay and somewhat having a good something. I wasn't listening much; I’m too busy minding the time. I reach out my bill and took off half way running for the elevator. Thank God I don't need to wait long for the elevator.

"24th floor pls." I said to the person near the placebo buttons. I took out my mirror and start retouching my make-up and freshening up with baby powder. I don't fashion expensive loose powder. I prefer baby stuff because it's light. People in the elevator were looking at me. They can look as long as they want but I wanted to be presentable even I’m about to be chewed out again.

The elevator dings at 24th. I ran directly to the door and badge my ID.

"Good morning Sam." That's Lexie, my very good friend for 3 years.

"Good morning, Lex" I replied without looking at her. My aim is to get to my desk so I can login. "Ho!" I let out a loud sigh after I successfully logged in. I heard everyone laugh.

 "It's alright guys, I’m just 20mins late and for the record it's the earliest one." I said jokingly. Unfortunately, not everyone laugh.

"Samantha, in my office now!" My manager peeped out from his office door and slammed it. I saw my officemates tried to be busy. You guys! I thought.

I knocked.

"Come in!" The anger shows in his voice. I thought of a silent prayer. It's not that it's my first time but he is so scary when he's mad.