THE FLAW IN OUR STARS

as I walked towards the receptionist and whispered a Hello. I felt a little embarrassed concerning how I dressed even when I was only applying as a cleaner. I didn't

ola smiled back and nodded softly. "Life is rude" "True. When I heard your story I was in awe. You're a very strong woman, I must commend" "Woman? I'm only 19. Strong? That's a huge word. You can call me a survivor" I chuckled and corrected "No wonder you seem to be so defensive and overprotective" "Right" I smiled and nodded my head, slightly embarrassed "But Sheila is an amazing child, you know. Really amazing and she learns so fast" "Is she?" I asked ignorantly "Trust me, she is and I totally understand how you feel concerning the male gender. Everyone will do that or even worst if there were in your shoes and that's okay. I just want you to take your time to heal. Accept life, accept it's gift, embrace it" "Why should I do that?" I asked sadly, dropping my serviette "Because that's what makes you strong. That's what makes you, you. Rising up again. Dust your sleeves and conquer the world" "No. I lost that spirit a long time ago" "You didn't. It's been hovering around you. You can feel it Laura, you know" "I appreciate you, Alfred but I have to go now" "Until when will you stop these cat and dog race and accept the truth?" " I just got to know you today. Stop acting like we've been close for ages!" " We need to. Hearing your story gives me a click of the kind of person you are" " Who do you think you are?" "I did not mean to upset you. I just needed to help" "I have to go now, Alfred" Trust me, I didn't expect to such an awesome conversation with Alfred. I felt a little relieved. It's been over 2 years since I had such a peaceful conversation but my defiant self had to draw me back to normal. I ran back to the third floor using the elevator, prepared to see what the third floor's cafeteria looked like. It looked as classy as I thought. The dishes were amazing, so were the seatings. I could spot the CEO's seat at the middle row. We walked in and began to clean.... The next day, I arrived at the office more earlier than expected. I found a guy at about 24 years old scolding a man at about 50 years through their window. "How could you? I trusted you!" The young man yelled. The next thing I saw was a slap from the young man to the elderly man. I scoffed and grew upset. No matter the situation, the elderly man didn't deserve to be slapped that way. "Hey, hey!" The young man called out I stopped and turned to notice he was talking to me, "what? Do you wish to slap me like you did to a man old enough to be your father?" I noticed the shock from the elderly man's face but I didn't bother "What? Who are you and what are you doing here?" "I'm Laura and my position doesn't matter in addressing issues like these. That man didn't deserve to be slapped no matter what" "And who do you think you are to decide on that?" I turned to look at my wristwatch, "it's saddening that I have to leave now, see you!" I waved and ran out "Hey, hey!" I heard him call out Let's say the office environment had a good effect on me because I couldn't understand why I was been so nice and full of smiles. The young man some minutes ago was quite a handsome fellow but his attitude there was extreme. During break, I was heading to the cafeteria when I bumped into him, again. "You again?" "Hey!" I waved and smiled acting like I couldn't recall what happened earlier "What are you doing here?" "I also wanted to ask, you work in the third floor? No wonder! I see where that audacity was coming from this morning" I answered. Suddenly, I noticed everyone was standing with heads bow. I felt slightly embarrassed and confused. Mrs Jones, the head of cleaning staff managed to call me by a little gesture. I baded a farewell and scurried towards her. "What are you doing? Didn't you know all the workers are asked to bow every Tuesday by 12pm?" He asked holding me by my shoulders "But we're also a worker, we should bow" "We could possibly run away you know" he said and took my hand and ran to the elevator "So, what's your name Mr snob?" "I'm not a snob" he cut in shortly "What do I call you then? Uhm, Mr anger issues?" "If you