I stared as I walked through.
The noise, the bustle, people with such class, I never would have been able to meet in my lifetime. Everything was different. The way they walked, the confidence exuded with every step they took.
"Mister Thompson" I heard promptly, waking me up form my daydream.
I stuck out so much I felt sore. My ragged clothing and my average physique made my appearance plummet. I wasn't some prince whos secretly 6'5 with a crazy build. That was quite evident.
I was guided to the waiting room, where possible hires where led. There was some fuss going on in the building, and after looking outside, you could see the problem. A white, clean luxury car pulled up, right to the side of the entrance, followed by three others. The first opened, and a woman walked out.
"Alex Thompson!!"
"Present sir!" I answered, fidgeting with my earphones as I tucked it in my pocket. I walked in the room and was greeted by an angry looking man.
"Age, previous occupation." he said.
"21, student" I replied, my voice being soft. He looked me up and down, like I was an action figure.
"OK, you're hired. Go to the back, you'll get your uniform and equipment. Can you start today" he asked.
"Yes, please" I responded.
"Good. Its 8:15. You start by 9:30 after you receive basic instruction on how to use the lift. Take the elevator up to the attic first. NEXT!" he screamed on the top of his voice.
I took the elevator and met my instructor. Only a few minutes later I was up to speed. He handed me my ID and was on his way. Things were quiet as it was supposed to be.
Before I knew it, I was on the job. things were looking smooth. I met another guy named Jeff. He was attending the same med school and we shared the same obstacles. Not long after it was 5:30. I made my way downstairs to check out. The reception was almost empty and it was my first day, so it took a while signing out.
"Mister Thompson"
I looked around and I saw the angry man from earlier. He looked like he had a rough day; sweating, panting and his eyes were watery. His angry look was now changed to worry.
"Sorry to disturb you but we require your help on floor 100, please follow me" he panted.
And so we were on our way. We arrived and he practically shoved me into an office. In the office was the same woman in the white car. Looking close now, she's hotter than I thought, and she looks like my age.
"Andrew Ronald. You're fired. You bring a newbie to me? It seems like you haven't learned your lesson" she said, as she turned to her window, which was as big as wall, overlooking the city landscape.
The man broke down in tears. Big men in suits dragged him away, shutting the door.
"You're my age. What's your name?"
"A-Alex. Alex Thompson, ma'am" I stammered.
Her expression went into shock, then a huge smile crossed her face as she turned to face me.
"Lexi? You're here? You being here just ruined my evening. I think I should fire you too. Andrew would need someone to carry his boxes anyway" she snarled.
All the memories came back in a flash. The harassing, name calling and worse immediately came rushing back. Old memories I thought I ran away from. It was my worst bully, who followed me from elementary school all the way through high school, never skipping a beat when it came to bashing me.
But that was the past, right? No chance.
My knees went straight to the ground, my head hung low and my arms were already in the air. A position that I became familiar with in the harsh conditions of the city. I begged.
"Please, dont fire me. I didn't do anything wrong. I'm begging you" I sobbed.
"I wont fire you. So get up. In turn, you'll be mine. That will make up for your insolence of even showing up to this place. For now go home, worm. Make sure you're here tomorrow by 8 on the dot"