Chapter 1: Sofia Sanders

Chapter 1: Sofia Sanders

Sofia’s POV

“Damn,” I cursed under my breath. I couldn’t believe I woke up late again. This is bad, my manager will surely fire me. I can’t let that happen. I’m broke already; I can’t bear to lose this job.

This past few days, I’ve been sleeping a lot. I don’t know why if it is because I’m tired or stressed or whatever. I tapped my cheeks to wake myself up and took a deep breath.

“All right, Sofia, you need to get ready now. You only have a few minutes to take a bath and get changed,” I mumbled to myself.

I got off my bed and quickly went inside the bathroom. I comb my long brown hair as I wear my three-inch black shoes.

I glanced over the wall clock; another curse came out of my mouth. I only have less than thirty minutes. I’ll pray there is no traffic, but I doubt it. Fuck!

I grabbed my sling bag on my bed and went out of my apartment. Just think positive, Sofia. Who knows, maybe there’s a miracle. I shrugged my shoulders and called a taxi.

“This is the third time you’re late this week, Sofia.” I shut my mouth. For the second time, I wanted to correct. But the way Miss Gale’s looking at me now, I won’t dare to talk back.

She looked like she wanted to eat me alive. She’s only a few years older than me, she’s the big boss’ cousin so she became the manager.

“So, tell me a valid reason why I won’t fire you today,” she added as she raised an eyebrow. I inhaled deeply. I don’t know how I’ll make her believe, but I guess I should try.

“I woke up late; I’m very sorry about that. I promise it won’t happen again,” I almost cringe at what I said. She smirked, “Really? But you always do, Sofia. If you’re not working for two years for this Café, you’re long fired.”

I nodded and looked down. The big boss’ relocated me here a couple of months ago. This is the main branch of the café; the payment is higher too. If I lose this job today, I won’t know what to do anymore. In this city, finding a decent job is hard.

I look up when I hear her sigh, “Okay then. This is your only hope, Sofia. If you mess this up again, you’re out.” She said. She even rolled her eyes before turning her back on me.

A smile came across my lips. Even if she’s acting that way, she’s actually nice. I was smiling as I followed her. I quickly change into my uniform and start working.

It is only turning eight in the morning, but there are a lot of customers already. I have been living alone for almost seven years now. I was seventeen when I moved out of my aunt’s house. Now I’m twenty-four and still single.

“Sofia! Can you take table four’s order?” Pia asked me a favour. I looked at her and nodded, “Sure.” I went where table four was located. There, I saw three girls and two boys. The three girls were wearing their cheerleading outfits.

They were laughing loudly. I fake a cough to get their attention. All of them stopped laughing and looked at me. I hate the way they look at me.

“Oh, you look familiar…” One of the girls said. I remain emotionless, “You look like the homeless girl we saw yesterday!” She added. All of them burst into laughter. That’s not funny; how dare they make fun of someone they didn’t know?

“How pitiful,” the two other girls second the motion. I badly want to roll my eyes now. What the heck are they talking about?

“I’m sorry to break your fantasy, ladies, but I need to take your order now,” I seriously said. They all stopped laughing and seriously looked at me, too.

“Come on bitch! You’re such a killjoy.” My brow furrowed. All right, Sofia, calm down. You can’t mess this up, right? You need this job to survive.

This is not the first time I have encountered someone like them, but this pisses me off. “She’s right. You can’t give us that look!”

What look?

“Come on guys, just tell your order. Leave this beauty alone,” One of the boys said. He was looking at me now… particularly on my… damn, he’s looking at my chest now. Pervert!

“Really, Jason? You call her beauty?” Is she jealous now? The man laughed and pulled her closer, “There’s nothing with that, honey. Look at her,” this man is a certified asshole. How can he compliment someone like that in front of his girlfriend?

“She’s pretty, isn’t she?” The girl pushed him away and slapped his chest. “Are you freaking kidding me?!” We are getting attention now. Before they can shout to each other, I talk first.

“Please, ma’am, Sir, don’t argue here,” I calmly said. She glared at me, “Don’t talk. This is your fault, you slut!” she stood up and pointed at me. My eyes widened; what did she call me? Slut? The heck?

“You’re a jerk, Jason. I can’t believe you!” She’s screaming now like crazy. “And you! You’re seducing my boyfriend with your titties, huh! What a whore,” huh? This is absurd. I was about to defend myself, but the guy named Jason talked.

“It’s not her fault why her body is hot as hell, Ven. And it’s not her fault why you’re insecure now.” Am I really seeing this? Just like, what the hell?

“Are you saying that I’m not hot? I’m hotter than her!” Yes, she’s hot. Hot-tempered lady. Jason laughed, “Are you sure?”

I facepalm mentally. Ven’s eyes widened. A sharp sound came across his cheeks. She slapped him. “Ma’am---” I can’t even finish my word because she slapped me too.

Damn, that’s it. I slapped her back. I can’t find any valid reason for her to hurt me physically. Her eyes widened; she looked shocked.

“How dare you!” I glared at her. “No, how dare you!”

“What’s going on here? Sofia!” I closed my eyes tightly when I heard my manager’s voice. Damn, I’m screwed.

“Are you the manager?” Ven ask her. I saw Gale raised an eyebrow, “Yes, I am. What happens? Is there something wrong, Ma’am?” Ven slowly smirked.

“Well, there is,” she glanced at me. I can sense something so bad. “May I know what is bothering you?” I took a deep breath, damn. There’s a huge possibility that I’ll lose my job today.

“Are your employees always acting this way?” Acting this way? Did she mean slapping her back? Well, she deserves it. She insulted and hurt me physically.

“Pardon, but I don’t understand you ma’am.”

I saw Jason hold her hand and tried to pull her down, but she resisted. “I believe this bitch is your employee. Let me tell you, she’s working unprofessionally. She’s seducing my boyfriend right in front of me.”

I shut my eyes close. Seducing my ass. I barely did and said something. Gale looked at me with disbelief in her eyes.

“I’m sorry on her behalf, Ma’am,” this time I gave Gale a questioning look. What is she doing? I didn’t do anything.

“Sorry is not enough.”

“I know, ma’am. We’re terribly sorry for this---“The girl cut her off. “No, I want her out now. Kick her out, fire her!”

What? This is insane. How dare she to say that? I’m not losing this job because of this shit! I was about to talk, but Gale shook her head.

“All right, ma’am.”

My eyes widened even more. What, Gale agreed? This is unfair. Damn it. “Sofia, pack your things up and wait for me inside the locker room.”

“Gale---”

“Just go.” I let out a sigh. I can’t believe this. Before I leave, I look at Ven. She’s smirking devilishly now. She should be happy—this brat. I removed my apron as I walked towards the locker room.

I was done packing my things when Gale knocked on the door to get my attention.

“Am I fired for real?” I ask her. She slowly nodded as she approached me. “I’m afraid you are. I warned you this morning, Sofia. Don’t mess things up, but you still did. We’re lucky enough she didn’t leave negative remarks.”

“It’s not my fault, Gale. I didn’t even do anything except the slap part. But she insulted and hurt me,” I defended. She shook her head, “I know. But you know life is unfair, right.”

Yeah, damn unfair. I close my mouth shut, “This is all I can do for you, Sofia.” She gave me an envelope. “I wish you a better life,” she added before leaving.

Another sigh escapes from my lips. Gale gave me my last salary. After two years of working, this is how it ends. This is making me sad, but I can’t do anything but accept this.

I was about to call a taxi when my phone suddenly rang. It was an unknown number, so my brow furrowed, but I still answered it.

“Hello? Is this Sofia Sanders from 1217 Street?”

“Umm, yes, I am,” I answer.

“This is Mariel from the fire department. Your apartment was on fire. I would like you to come over and see the situation,” she replied, making my eyes widen in shock.

What the fuck?