First Pages: The Sunflower
coffee. His mouth attaches to the brim of the ceramic as he takes a sip, and I can’t help but cringe at the sight of him using my mug. Despite the trashy printers, we are at least given a sufficient pantry for storing basic utensils and whatnot, and my name is emblazoned in pink and blue with decorative sprinkles around the body of the cup. Therefore I assume my co-worker is suddenly blinded by the “special” gel holding his spiked hair in suspension.
“Heard the news, man. Great job.” He shakes Dominic’s hand as both of them laugh at something he muttered. They hover around my space, and their chatter distracts my pretending-to read. I pray to the gods, whoever is listening, to send me strength. I then whisper a chant I read on SpitASpell.com in the hopes that they disappear from my sight. I push my seat back loudly as I intend to do and stand facing them with my arms across my chest. I jut my chin towards my mug and give the best glare I can muster. “Can’t you read? That’s mine.” Miguel slightly lifts the mug and turns it around as he reads each letter of my name.
“My bad,” he says, “but it’s not like I’m the only one who uses it.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh yeah,” Dominic chimes in, “Robert used it to mix his milk and bourbon the other day.”
And ever since I saw Bogs drink Sprite from it, I thought it was communal,” Miguel adds.
“Oh yeah,” Dominic chimes in, “Robert used it to mix his milk and bourbon the other day.”
“And ever since I saw Bogs drink Sprite from it, I thought it was communal,” Miguel adds.
My mouth and jaw remain ajar as they speak, unbelieving that my personalized item is being passed around like a whore during an orgy. Dominic chuckles, and my fists curl into balls. My phone goes off at that moment, and I thank whatever god gave me this ticket out, even if it’s just for a moment. I check the screen to see my brother’s name. I quietly excuse myself from the two men as I walk to the corner of the office where I can look out through the glass walls. “Hello?”
“Sister,” he hiccups, “I rushed to the hospital.”
“What?” There was a pause, “What happened?”
His cries sound through the speakers. From his side, someone was asking him to calm down but he pursued with his wailing and sobs. “Ate please, just come to the hospital.”
I immediately hang up and hurry to my cubicle. I grab my purse and turn the fan off, saying my rushed goodbyes to Dominic and Miguel despite their asking of my worried look. I hastily walk past them, hating myself for deciding to wear heels today.
“Maybe if she hiked the skirt a few inches higher, she’d get a promotion.” I hear Miguel’s obnoxious voice saying.
I feel their eyes on me, but I can’t focus on them right now despite the temptation to chuck a couple of four-inch daggers their way.
“Or bent over.”
I press the button going down on the elevator, and the doors open after a short moment. I click for the basement, and my hand fumbles around my purse in search of the keys. My heart is wild, and my breathing sporadic. I offer a silent prayer, ‘Please be okay. Please be okay.’ Ten seconds remaining. In five, I’m off the elevator shaft and making a run for the car… << BACK
Written by: Anonymous