I woke up with a jolt. Omg! I woke up late. I checked my alarm clock and it was past 6. I jumped off the bed and went to shower and got dressed. I was headed downstairs to grab breakfast and coffee when I checked the time. It was already 6:45 a.m. I am supposed to arrive at work before my boss and he gets to work around 7a.m . Breakfast now forgotten, I dashed to the garage, entered my car (technically my mother's car) and drove off.
I arrived at the office at 5 minutes past 7. When I got to the parking lot, someone already parked in my parking space. So I had to drive around looking for space for another 5 minutes. I drove like a maniac all the way here, I am surprised I didn't get a speeding ticket. People where cussing at me left, right, center. But I didn't care, I didn't want to ruin the one chance of making things right with my dad. I entered the elevator chanting in my head "please, be running late! please be running late!" I had to get to the office before my boss, this is day 5 of me working here (Friday) and I had something to prove.
After dropping my bag in my office, grabbing his coffee and summoning all the courage I had in me, I walked into his office "Good morning sir, this is your schedule for today" I said, dropping his coffee and my iPad on his table. " I just forwarded a mail to you right now, I want you to personalize them and send them to this client list " he said, passing me a piece of paper containing company names. " I will do that right now sir" I replied him, relieved that he didn't notice my tardiness. "I need that done this morning, then make copies of this week's report and alphabetize them in the storage cabinet. I am old school like that, I like hard copies." He said, dismissing me. I replied once again "yes sir" now heading to the door. "And Mabel, don't be late again" he said, looking up from his computer. Caught in the act! I froze on the spot, turned around with a sheepish smile and said " It won't happen again sir" I then walked out of his office feeling embarrassed.
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I exited the building and was walking to my car when I remembered I still hadn't called Toby to tell him about the wedding and the wedding is Tomorrow. I was soo drained, I could barely walk properly. "Isn't it too late to inform him about the wedding?" I thought to myself. I would rather try my luck with him than be embarrassed tomorrow at the party. Knowing my ex-classmates, they will be on the look out for the best cars, clothes, boyfriends, girlfriends e.t.c and I refuse to be a loser again. Immediately I entered my car, I called Toby. "Hey Mabel!" He picked the call after 2 rings. "Good evening Toby, how was your day?" I asked. After exchanging pleasantries, I jumped to the point. I was too tired to be making long conversations. "Will you be available tomorrow? I have a wedding I need to attend tomorrow and I need a date" I asked him . " Erm, I have a meeting to attend. I am so sorry, I would have loved to go with you" he answered apologetically. I was flooded with disappointment but I didn't let it show when I said " alright then. No problem" "please don't be mad at me, Mabel" he said. "You have nothing to worry about, Toby. It's fine. I have to go, goodnight" I said "Good night, Mabel" he said back and hung up.
On getting home, I called Grace to tell her about Toby. While I was on the call about to tell her that i wasn't going to go for the wedding, another call came in from Toby, i told Grace to hold on and picked Toby's call. He called to apologize and asked if he could still be my date to the wedding. He didn't want to disappoint me so, he rescheduled his meetings. I agreed with soo much excitement in my voice, we ended the call and I gave Grace the feedback. I couldn't talk for long so I excused myself, took a shower and as i was about sleeping, i heard a knock on my door. "it's me" my mum said from the other side of the door. "i am coming" i said. i stood up and went to unlock the door to let my mum in. "Mabel, you need to return to Los Angeles as fast as possible" my mum said, sitting on my bed. " i know mum, that's why i am trying to clear things with up with dad here. the sooner i do that, the better" i replied her, yawning. " Just do your best and i will try to put in a good word with your dad. Don't make me regret keeping this away from your dad" she said, now standing up and walking to the door. " I won't" i said in a serious voice. "Good. Goodnight darling" she replied. "Goodnight mum" i said and then went to hug her. She hugged me back and stepped out of my room. As soon as she left, i locked the door behind her and went to bed.