Never Again

            "Next!" The plump lady shouted from the table in front of the room. She looked bored with the monotonous work she probably does every day.  I have been here many times, and she would usually do the same thing, that is to hand application forms to applicants. When it was my turn, she looked at me. "It's you again." She said sourly. She handed me the paper without smiling. I faked a smile and took the application form from her. It was already embarrassing she recognized me. Maybe, she was thinking I could not fit anywhere, which was true. I have been going to this office for more than three years now. I gave up applying directly long time ago because I always get rejected. This recruitment agency was my last hope of getting another job after I finished my contract with my previous employer. No matter how hard I work, they wouldn't hire me directly nor at least extend my contract even until

Hello and welcome to the Rolling Heart Stones live show. First up is a song by Michael Jackson, now in its top five. The DJ played the song, ‘You are Not Alone.“Oh, I love this song!” Jane exclaimed. She sat dreamily while concentrating on the lyrics of the song.  It was almost three in the afternoon, and I suddenly felt nostalgic sitting on this familiar bench under the tree. A lot of things had happened here.I wasn’t listening to the song. I was busy reading the newspaper the other student left on the table. It was more interesting than listening to Michael Jackson. I would have flipped out if the DJ played ‘Love Me for A Reason’. Even at my age, I was still crazy over that song.Also, I knew what would happen next. I was sitting opposite her. She excitedly waved to Ed and Albert. Her eyes sparkling and smiling. Ed insisted on treating us as his way of apologizing for what

The dark sky was covered by glittering stars, and the full moon proudly shone in the night. We didn’t need the lamp post light to guide us on our way to the park. The moon has done its part. Suddenly, I regret walking in the park with Albert. He looked like a Greek god wearing a white polo shirt and white pants. I was so busy hating him that I almost forgot how regal he was when he moved and walked. He was also taller than me. That’s why I had to look up just to glance at his beautiful face. He was perfect in many ways.He stopped walking and looked at me. “Enjoying the view?” He grinned.I panicked and turned my gaze somewhere else. “Yeah. The sky’s beautiful.” I was thankful it was night, he didn’t see my cheeks flushed like a red apple. For a long time, I loathed him, but now, I’m hating myself more.I led him to the picnic table, and we sat across from each other.  As much as my heart was aching to l

My mind was wandering along the green field outside the large window of the classroom. Our professor has not arrived yet, which gave me time to process what just happened this morning.We arrived thirty minutes earlier, thanks to how maniac Albert was in driving his car this morning. I gave him a fair warning by trying to remove my seatbelt.“Hey!” He shouted when he saw me from the rearview mirror, then slowed down the speed of his driving.I care less about him being a drag racer, but we will not die today just because he wanted to prove something. I gave him a sullen look, then gazed outside the car.“Did you fight or something?” Ed chuckled as he glanced at me. “I thought you’re friends already,” He said grinning at Jane. They were suspicious of our silence about what happened last night.“She was very clear last night. She doesn’t want me to be her friend,” His voice was serious.

The wide-open window invited both the chilly wind and the warmth of sunlight into my room. As I became aware of my surroundings, I realized two things at once. I was still in my 18-year-old body, and that intimate moment with Albert last night wasn't a dream. The cold gold pendant touching my skin was proof. I giggled and covered my face with my lumpy pillow as I remember his touch and kisses. But as I think back, it gave me a chill when I recall the serious tone in his voice as he put the necklace on me. He talked metaphorically like something would happen, which I would not like. If I wasn't wearing the necklace on the day we met again, would that mean he still has it with him today? Until when will I stay here this year? Did I die somewhere in the construction area? I brushed off all the questions. I may have the spirit of my 55-year-old body, but since I was in my 18-year-old body, I have duties and obligations to fulfill. I got up and checked today's sch