Anthonio
My spiral hair bounced as the cars drove by me.
I bit my lower lip, turning on my phone screen to look at the time.
9:11 AM.
The next bus will arrive in five minutes.
Could I wait five more minutes?
I tapped my feet, waiting for the next bus to arrive.
Fourth late this month—and the month had barely started.
Stella was sure to call me to her office.
And Mrs. Pham.
I groaned to myself, just imagining the things she'll say.
The things she'll do.
She was going to—
The bus finally arrived.
I let out a sigh of relief.
Huff. Huff.
I shoveled through the handbag, looking for my arena staff card. I inserted it inside the machine called 'Bensina,' made by Roonie.
"Barrier Girl."
I called out my name. Clear enough for it to recognize.
Ding.
It turned green, passing the card back to me. I was prepared for its next log.
"You are thirty-five minutes late. Red Infraction Level 2."
It printed out a paper slip of my lateness.
"October 8, 2019. Late by 35 minutes."
I had dozens of these slips already.
I crumbled the paper and shoved it down inside my bag, where dozens more slips were rotting.
The giant Golden Gate opened, and I entered.
I climbed the wide stone staircase leading into the main entrance of the arena. The insides were the same—Ivory pillars, stained glass in between, and lush emerald vines draped vertically down the columns.
It was a sight I have gotten used to for the past two years.
As I walked through the first floor, a few staff members walked by: aliens and humans.
"Hello, Barrier." Cuugri greeted.
"Hey, Cuugri."
"Hey, Barrier." Turculs said.
"Hi, Turculs."
I smiled, head following Turculs. "Late again?"
My face turned red as she said that. Embarrassment filled me.
"You look extra pink today!"
Sholaill said. My head snapped back, looking at her.
"Thanks, Sholaill"
He walked past me as I headed towards the staff room.
"Where is that pink bubblegum?!"
My green pupils dilated. That sound… that haunting sound.
My feet slid against the marbled floor as I came to a forced halt. Mrs. Pham stood by the door, arms crossed, angrily waiting for me. The atmosphere darkened.
I quickly hid behind one of the ivory columns before she could see me.
What was she doing out here? Was she looking for me?
She usually waited until the end of the day to lecture me.
Oh no—
I was going to die.
She was going to chew me like a bubblegum and spit me out and maybe step on it!!
In the midst of this storm, I saw Roonie making his way over here.
Roonie!
He was the man who could provide shelter.
He will surely help me.
I waved my hand towards him, successfully grabbing his attention.
"Oh, hey Rose."
Roonie said.
Roonie! What a lucky save. The only one who can help me right now.
"Hey. Hi, can you distract Mrs. Pham?"
"Why?"
He popped his head from behind the column, looking over at her. "Oh, she's mad. Are you late again?"
He raised an eyebrow as if already detected what happened. Of course, he knew.
This was not the first time I asked for his help.
"No—yes. She is out for me."
"I can see."
He chuckled in a low tone.
"So, please… help me."
"Alright. Alright."
He winked at me before stepping out of the shadows. I peeked my head behind the column as I watched him saunter his way towards Mrs. Pham.
A few seconds passed by and I saw hand gestures. Mouth moving but could not hear anything. I could only imagine him speaking smoothly to soften her.
I quietly walked behind her as she was completely lost in Roonie's black eyes.
I let out a deep breath before using the wall to slide my way from the hallway, heading towards the staff room.
A sigh of relief left me as I finally made it to the staff room without Mrs. Pham noticing me.
"Hello everyone—"
"You're late. Again."
My body flinched hearing Mrs. Pham's rotting voice behind me. Didn't Roonie distract her?
I swallowed, slowly turning around.
"Sorry. I was–"
"Excuses, excuses. Fourth time this month."
"I know, but—"
"No 'buts'. I am cutting your credits in half."
"But you can't!"
I saved Anthonio—
Almost left my tongue but I held back.
It was nothing.
"Lady, you have been coming late ever since you joined," she crossed her arms, glaring up at me. "And Ms. Stella allowed me to do so."
"That is because they are trying to cut the budget…"
I muttered to myself.
Taking my salary after what I go through every week for their shields.
The blood—the screams…
The pain…
She sneered at me before turning around and walking off to overlook the other staff.
I stood there, rubbing my arm up and down.
Half my credits for this week…
How am I supposed to adjust to the rent going up…?
My lips pursed as I thought back to the human child.
Anthonio.
He was probably getting lectured by his mother right now.
A small smile crossed my lips.
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