Clueless

Grace's POV I was woken up suddenly by the buzzing sound of my purple triangular shape alarm, the first gift I got when I turned sixteen. I really acknowledge it as "special" since it was from a person who was more like a sister to than a friend_Jane. I literally use this so called alarm to compel myself for work, Everytime as it take me decades to get up from the bed most times. I wonder how Jane is convenient sleeping in her good for nothing boyfriend's house across our densely populated street. James lives in a very small room, which could hardly contain his bed and clothes,let alone accommodate another person. Thank God for that, I really enjoyed sleeping alone on our moderate sized bed, where I could stretch out my weak body, duh!! It's really damn cold and freezy this morning and I forgot to dry my sweaters, it's all damp, this making me cringe at the same time. I struggled to get up finally, after an inner battle I had to fight vehemently. I had body aches too, caused by pent up stress I went through the previous day and this nearly aggravated the apathy in me, I had merely worked as a kitchen assistance at a big restaurant in lagos, for just six months and I had to kill the urge to resign in me. I hurriedly scanned through the brown wardrobe, Jane and I both shared for the past four years, as I quivered badly to find something suitable and cool for the harsh weather. I need to be very fast about it, my time is far spent. Checking the clock, placed carefully on the wall at the right side of our room to ascertain the time, I rushed to select something suitable, that will also keep me warm at least.The pink turtle neck top and a black pants I wore was an amazing combination. It made me looked quite moderate enough. Jane would have been there at work by now since James' house is nearer to work than ours, I thought, immediately adding extra two indomitable and an egg_ her favorite, which I planned on taking to work. I parked the breakfast in a big steel flask, carefully placing it in my black customized tote bag, inscribed on it my name " Grace" yeah, I'm Grace. Seeing varieties of food and delicacies everyday was something I was already tired of, so I preferred bringing whatever I was going to eat from home and I wasn't a voracious eater too,so noodles is perfectly okay to sustain me throughout the day. I could even eat anything I like at anytime, as a worker with good record. I checked my wrist watch, this I knew I was late already, rushing to the park, I held my tote bag carefully, mainly because of the food. " Aroma kitchen" I said jumping at the first taxi I saw, with a few passengers, looking prim and meticulous, sitting down comfortably.The dark skinned guy who sat beside me had a brown file, obviously showing that he is a white collar worker. I looked through the windscreen, amused at the hustle and bustle of various traders, persuadding people into buying their goods. On getting down, I paid the driver, who smiled at me politely, revealing his partially broken teeth, life of a driver! I thought.The routine was boring already, especially the sight of the huge building where I worked, now looking like a "lion's den" I hope Mr Antony isn't around today, he will eat me alive if he sees me coming at this time of the day, I thought, seeing the devil himself, glaring his weird blue eyes at me.He moved closer as if he was enter me. "Good morning Mr Antony" I said moving fast, not waiting for his response. He pulled me back, drawing me close to him.I almost puked at the smell of his perfume "It's like you are planning to secure a new job, what's your excuse this time around??? he said trying to justify how much he notice my lack of punctuality, which was now a norms. I was dead silent, as I moved back and was almost going to dash my foot on the floor. He walked away after achieving his goal_ taunt me, and i entered inside immediately. Jane waved at me from the serving spot, where she was about to attend to a slightly tall guy, who i assumed to be a cooperate worker, dressed in white shirt and blue pants and a complementing red tie. On getting to my favourite spot, also where I normally serve special delicacies, I heaved a sign of relief and sat down comfortably on a nearby steel chair. "You saw him right ? I bet he said something stupid, because your countenance has betrayed you completly" Jane, who knows how picky and stern Mr Antony, the manager can be, said, trying to guess the situation. "It's gonna be your turn soon and I won't even say a word, trust me" I said partially venting my anger at her and she understood my plight. "One day he will surely pay for it in ten fold, in regards to everything he has done to us" Jane said looking dead serious. I looked at her, trying to make sure it wasn't that serious, because I have experienced how her words came to pass and its adverse effects, well he deserved whatever he got. A very wicked soul indeed.With a " I know you are flattering me" look on my face. " Let him hear what you just said now,I told her daringly. She pinched me on the wrist, this she always do to make me believe her. We were taken aback by the sudden noise emerging from the outer part of the restaurant, as we rushed to see what was going on. "Call the ambulance right away, he has to be taken to the hospital right away" we heard the chief cook say as we got to the veranda. What just happened? I asked pushing the passersby who crowded the victim,................Mr Antony, who was laying apparently lifeless on the wet floor. "What the hell happened to him in just a few minutes? I asked the nearest person who was ready to answer me. "He was pushed to the main road, by someone he argued with " the fat woman said, as she walked briskly ahead of me.In no time, a white ambulance arrived, almost deafening my ears with it's lousy siren. Mr Antony was wedged by some hefty men around, into the ambulance and it sped off into obsurity. I hoped isn't that serious, even though he can be very annoying, not to the point of watching him die. I suddenly remembered Jane's words, " he will surely pay for it", this is in the hard way.......Jane!!!! I thought, as I went to meet her at the kitchen where i met her, clearing the dishes.I was surprised at her lack of interest and enthusiasm. " What do you expect me to do, I'm not the doctor, am I? she said looking serious, as she arranged the ceramics plates into the rack. I watched her silently, dissapointed too. "I wish him good health, honestly I really do, I muttered to myself, heading towards the pavement, where my bag was. I took the flask and opened it, then I knew Jane had already eaten. I ate the remaining noodles left and went back to work. Energy came rushing through my veins like that of a flowing stream, I then realized how hungry I was_ breakfast at noon!! I was left with no other option working here, so was Jane, she couldn't quit neither.We were literally left with no other option. So we absonded the orphanage home when I was fifteen and Jane, sixteen, this showing how we have been close since childhood. We got tired of the place, since no body wanted to adopt us, as their child. We were helped by Dan, an area brother, who lived in the same street to raise enough money to rent a room self contained.We couldn't even manage to secure our Senior School Certificate and , I'm turning twenty one in a few days time, while Jane is twenty two already. I had always wanted to become a doctor or someone who is in position to heal and even bring the dead back to life. Seeing people suffer from an ailment or the other wasn't what I like, knowing it will work out one day. Becoming a medical doctor has been my dream since childhood and it's a shadow not wanting to leave. As for Jane, going to school wasn't in her itinerary.She was used to doing menial jobs and staying in her comfort zone. Going to school will require a great deal, in terms of money and commitment, which she wasn't ready for actually, so far she was able to sustain through another means.