Chapter 1 - Work

07:00 a.m

Me: Bye guys, see you later!

Zane: Okei dok!

Ziana: Bye sis!

Alicia: See you later.

I left for the door. Another typical routine of home and work. I was not complaining about my life, don't get me wrong. I was living the best life I could. 

I jumped into my car and drove to work, munching on a glazed donut I packed for myself today while I patiently sat in traffic. Luckily for some reason, I woke up early for work so I don't mind the traffic taking 10 minutes to open up. 

I played some of the hip-hop beats that I made with Zi, Zane, and Alicia. No, I am not a musician but I do like creating beats for fun. Enough about that though...

Welcome to the life of Liana Rodriguez. I am a 25-year-old who has a job in South Cybric's Biggest Cybersecurity Company. My job? To hack into the accounts of big businesses to check their security and if their cybersecurity needs any enhancements or improvements. 

I learned how to hack and create malware (another word for a computer virus) at the age of 15. I then conducted lessons for cybersecurity from 17 years up until 19 years of age. I was then invited to a job interview at the South Cybric Cybersecurity Company at 20 years and since then, I have been working there.

I can rant about my life story forever... but back to reality:

I am still stuck in traffic. 10 minutes have already elapsed but with no movement. It is as if life has been put on a standstill.

I looked at the time on my watch:

07:40 a.m

Great I still have 20 minutes to spare before I am marked late. Why does work feel like school sometimes? You get warned up to 3 times for lateness and fired if you exceed the third warning. I sometimes want to give up on life and just do nothing. 

But what can be done? I have to work to survive.

I looked at my phone on the empty passenger seat next to me to see an incoming call from... an unknown number.

Me: Unknown? Who could be calling me at this time?

---ON A CALL---

Unknown: Hello?

Me: Hello?

Unknown: How are you?

Me: I am good thanks and yourself?

Unknown: Are you saying you don't know who is calling you?! I am so disappointed.

Me: (looking at the caller ID) Um, I recognize the voice but it doesn't tell me who the caller is ---

Wait! Could it be...

Me: Uncle Henry!

Henry: Finally! Sorry for calling with an unknown number, we moved back to South Cybric.

Me: No, that's okay - wait, when you say, "we have moved back," you mean you and Aunt Hailey?!

Henry: Of course! We are incomplete without each other!

Me: Oh wow, I am so happy to hear! Where's Aunt Hailey?

Henry: She is very busy, unpacking and organizing the house.

Me: Okay, please send my regards to her!

Henry: I will. Speaking of which, how is everyone? It's been a while since we spoke.

Me: Mom and Dad are good, they are on a 3-month vacation. Alicia, Ziana, and Zane are good. Alicia, Zane, and I are all working at big companies, while Ziana is on holiday from her first semester of senior year.

Henry: That's my kids! Which one do you all work for?

Me: I work for the SCCC, Zane works for the Aviation Company and Alicia works for the Media.

Henry: You work for the Cybersecurity Company?!

Me: Yes Uncle! That's the one.

Henry: I am so proud of you, Alicia, and Zane! You know what? We should visit you guys!

Me: That sounds like a great plan! I will talk to them and we will let you know.

Henry: Thanks kiddo. So where are you right now?

Me: I am stuck ---

The cars are moving again! The traffic is gone! Let me hit the road.

Me: I was stuck in traffic on my way to work but the traffic has been cleared now.

Henry: Will you get there on time? There are 10 minutes left.

Me: I will, it is a 5-minute drive from where I am so I am good.

Henry: Okay then, that's safe. Enjoy your day and we will talk later okay?

Me: Okay uncle! Thanks for the call!

Henry: You are welcome Lia!

Me: Bye!

Henry: Bye.

---END OF CALL---

That was the longest call I have ever had. But all thanks to it, the traffic opened up in time. It's time to get to work.

5 MINS LATER

AT WORK

At last! I am now at work. All I just want to do is to just get to my desk and stay quiet.

In which my plan failed successfully.

Riana: Hey Lia!

Me: Hey Ria! How are you doing this morning?

Riana: Great and yourself?

Me: Great, thanks.

Riana: You know, Kayla and I would like to invite you to hang out with us, by the cafe on the next street.

Me: You mean the cafe that's a street away from the office?

Riana: Duh!? Of course, that one!

Me: Right - what time?

Kayla: At 7:00 p.m

Me: That's 4 hours after working hours.

Kayla: So?

Me: Isn't that a bit late?

Riana: Geez Lia, you sound like you live under strict rules.

Kayla: You can say that again.

Me: No I don't, I just like keeping safe.

Kayla: So, are you coming or not?

Me: I will have to pass. Sorry.

Nathan: You always pass invitations from us. Sometimes you need to get out and chill you know?

Me: Yeah, but I am more introverted, so home is my comfort place.

Kayla: You know - you never talk to anyone in the office except for us... don't you wish to talk to a guy or something?

Me: No - I am happy with how my life is. But you two can.

Riana: I already have, thank you, and will soon be getting married.

Riana showed us her engagement ring and others from the surrounding desks came to check out Riana's ring.

Kayla: Oooh, congrats girl!

Me: Congrats Ria.

Riana: And everyone will be invited but the sad thing is you need to bring a partner with you.

Nathan, Kayla, and the others surrounding Riana looked at me.

Riana: Unlike a little someone who doesn't like interacting.

Me: No matter what you all say, nothing is going to change my mind, so just accept defeat. Anyway, bye.

I walked away from the crowd until I passed by a woman who was whispering to another woman.

Woman 1: Introverted girl.

I went back to the woman.

Me: Thank you so much. I never knew I was worthy of being gossiped about!

All eyes went to her and her friend while I walked away.

Me: The disadvantages of office jobs... gossip and criticism.

I went over to my desk and sat. 

Me: (sigh) Let me get to work.