JOB

“Babe, no need to cry, especially not for that scumbag. Just look at you, you are beautiful, hot, smart, you are literally any man’s dream. Don’t cry over some down the street CEO and his plus sized secretary” Mira said as she tried to comfort me while I munch on the last piece of chocolate cake I had in my fridge.

The cake tasted awful, but I ate it still cause that was how I felt. Used, broken, in short, awful.

John was my first in everything, relationships, kiss, and even sex. He was once my childhood crush then we went to college together and during my second year in college, he asked me to be his girlfriend and I happily said ‘yes’. I was with him when all he had was an old, wrinkled shirt, jeans and a dream of starting a shoe company, where he would sell his product to top celebrities and I would cheer him on during our discussions about it.

He even promised to marry me when I finally clocked twenty-five and two months to my twenty-fifth birthday, I caught him cheating on me with the secretary he told me he hated.

I guess I was too naïve.

“I gave him everything I had babe. He literally owned me, and this is how he chose to repay me?” I sobbed as I grabbed another spoonful of cake, taking it in only to scrunch my face from disgust.

“Ok, we have had enough of this awful cake,” Mira said after observing my expression as she forcefully took the plate of cake from my hand and trashed it.

“Look Chloe, you know I love you right? Honestly, I never liked John right from the start but I tolerated him because of you. John is not worth it at all. Just take a look at yourself. John can not be compared to you, so cheer up.”

I nodded my head at Mira’s words as I wiped the tears from my cheeks, smiling a little at her and she smiled back.

“That aside, tell me where you went to last night. One minute I saw you dancing in the middle of the bar, the next minute you were gone, you got me worried there” Mira said, changing the conversation to lighten up the mood a little bit.

“That was because you were so busy with the blondie making you laugh that you totally forgot about me” I added jokingly as I gave Mira a knowing gaze and just as I expected, she blushed.

“Oh, so you guys eventually did more than talking?” I added as I teased Mira and she spanked my arms playfully.

“Enough of that. I asked you a question first. So tell me, what happened?” Mira said and as I looked into her eyes, I felt sad seeing her expression. She was truly worried about me.

“Well, a scumbag approached me and he tried to dance with me without my consent,” I said and Mira’s face sprouted up in anger.

“What? Who is that maniac who tried to put his filthy hands on you? You should have called me babe, I would have put a stick up his hole” Mira threatened and I laughed at her response.

Just like I said, Mira was like a mother hen to me, and I love it.

“Well, I knew I could handle it. I stepped on him and then ran away. But then, he was not an ordinary guy as his friends chased after me but luckily, I was able to escape by entering into a room and locking it” I replied and her face calmed down at my response.

“That’s great. If not, I would track the man down and make him wish he never went to the bar last night” Mira added and I laughed at her words.

“Oh, how I love you,” I said, moving my lips in an attempt to kiss her but she pushed me backwards, twisting her face in disgust.

“Eww. Don’t try that” Mira said as she quickly stood up to her feet, trying to run away.

I also stood up in a bid to run after her but stopped when I heard a knock on my door.

Mira who was just about to grab my iPhone cord to whip me stopped and looked at me confusedly.

“Are you expecting someone?”

“No. You know it’s only John and you who used to come visiting, I have no other friends” I stated the obvious as I brought my gaze back to the door, glaring at it as if it would make a tiny hole I could use to see the guest I was not expecting.

“Who’s there?” I finally summoned the courage as I signaled to Mira who threw the table lamp beside my bed.

My room was a one room apartment and all I had was a small bed, a beside table with lamp, a small, old cushion beside the wall and my workspace. I was a writer but what I earn from writing is not enough for me to rent a mansion and to be honest, I loved how small and cozy my room was.

Just as I was about opening the door, I heard the voice of my landlord who was clearly pissed with me.

“Who else would it be? A billionaire? Where is my rent?” A grumpy voice said from behind the door and I sighed as I opened the door slightly.

“Hi, Brad, how ya doing?” I asked with a small smile but Brad frowned instead.

“Cut the crap, you owe me three months rent and I can not take it anymore Chloe. I need money for maintenance and I’m sorry to say but I’m not leaving this place until you balance up” Brad shouted, uncaring about who heard or who was passing.

“Could you please lower” I could not finish my sentence as Mira opened the door widely and stood in front of me.

“What’s going on? And why are you acting like a jerk Brad? It’s just three months' rent, not like she killed someone” Mira said as she crossed her arms and frowned at Brad but Brad couldn't care less.

“GIVE ME MY MONEY” Brad emphasized as he stood, facing Mira defiantly.

“How much is it? Is it up to a thousand bucks? Why are you making a scene for such a low amount?” Mira responded, pushing me behind her as I tried to stop her from arguing with Brad.

“Mira, I can handle this” I said from behind her, trying to take control of the situation back but Mira would not budge. She stood still in front of me and because of her goddamn height, I could not even see Brad clearly.

Mira was very tall for a girl. She is 6’4 and would tower in front of most men and asides that, she has the body of a model, but surprisingly, she went into business instead as she took over her family’s business. Her father, Mr Andre, was one of the richest in their country currently and Mira is his only daughter. Due to her intelligence, Mira got chosen to lead the company instead of her brothers.

“Stay still” Mira whispered as she turned her neck to give me a short glare and I shut my mouth that instant.

“Look, girl, I don’t have the time for this. Your cowardly friend here owes me 500 dollars, which is the total amount for her three months' rent, so, if you’re not planning to pay her debt, move and let me deal with her”

“Call my friend a coward one more time and I will slit your throat,” Mira said, gritting her teeth. She brought out some money from her pocket and threw it at him.

“There, that is more than enough for even a year’s rent. Stay away from Chloe” Saying this, Mira stepped backwards with Chloe still behind her and when they were in the house, she banged the door close.

“What a trash. All men are trash” Mira said fuming as she tried to compose herself.

“Thank you, Mira. I promise to pay you back soon” I said feeling embarrassed from what Mira went through all because of me.

“Are you nuts? Don’t annoy me any further. I don’t need the money back, what are friends for? And also, I’m angry at you, you were going through all these harassment from your landlord and you could not say a word to me? Don’t you consider me as your friend Chloe?” Hearing those words come from Mira made me realize what a jerk I am.

All I wanted to avoid was pity but now, I got my best friend’s wrath.

Moving slowly towards her, I gazed up at her with teary eyes as I said, “ I am so sorry Mira. It was never in my intention to hide it from you, but, I did not want to seem like a bother” I said, playing with my fingers, gazing down.

Mira sighed as she pulled me in for a hug.

“You are never a bother, you are my best friend and my money is yours. I told you to come work for us at the company but instead, you refused. The money you earn from writing is fair but not sufficient for you, what’s your plan now?” Mira asked stroking my hair and I pulled her in closer, sniffing her perfume.

“I have it all covered, don’t worry Mira” I said sighing as I made a decision within me.

It’s time to go get a job.