A Collection of Short Stories

Aaliyah Rivera

Written: 9-1-21

Being late to work on your first day wasn't exactly an ideal situation to be in. Unfortunately for me, that's the exact position I was in. I quickly dashed through my house grabbing my things, while also trying to tie back my hair. I usually tried to style my hair, but today there was no time. I ran to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, deciding I didn't have time for a shower. It's fine, I took one yesterday, I thought to myself. I grabbed my purse and threw on my shoes. I ran out the door and down the sidewalk. A car would come in handy right about now...

I had gotten tons of concerned and judgeful looks as I sprinted down the sidewalk and across the streets, but it wasn't my fault that I was late. My alarm didn't go off and I clearly remember setting it for six AM. It's a miracle that I even got this job. Someone who didn't finish college could rarely get a job working as an apprentice for Danica Marrero. I always wondered how she could have such a high status while only being 27 years old. It's not even like she has rich parents, actually, no one really knows who her parents are. Everything about this girl is a mystery, but I intend to solve it.

I opened the doors to the building and looked around for where I was supposed to go. I tapped a man's shoulder and he turned around, looking annoyed. He was a middle-aged man, maybe in his late 30's, his hair was brown, and looked uncombed. He raised an eyebrow and I snapped out of my frozen state.

"Um, I was wondering if you could tell me where Ms. Marrero's office was," I said hopefully. He rolled his eyes and seemed to know exactly who I was.

"Ah, you're her new assistant, I assume?" I nodded and he gestured towards the stairs. "Listen up cause I won't repeat myself. You're gonna go up the flights of stairs, Ms. Marrero's office is at the very top. Once you get to the top, you're gonna take two lefts and you'll be there"

"Couldn't I just take the elevator?" I asked, already out of breath from the run here. He smirked and I could already tell this guy was a jerk.

"It's out of order" He stated before turning and walking away. I rolled my eyes and began walking up the stairs. I hope my other coworkers aren't as rude as that guy was. I wonder what Ms. Marrero is like. I hope she isn't one of those snobby, mean, rich people who think they're better than everyone else just because of their status. If she were, I don't know how long I'd last working as her assistant.

I let out an exhausted sigh while staring up at all the stairs I still had to take. I was going to keep walking but found myself almost running into a boy. His skin was a nice caramel color and his eyes were a pretty hazel. He had light brown hair that was combed, neatly. I noticed his cheeks were a light pink and I sent him a friendly smile.

"Sorry, I didn't see you" He apologized, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's fine. I should've been watching where I was going" I brushed it off. "Are you wearing blush?" He looked a bit taken aback by the question, but it was soon replaced by a frown.

"Yeah" He answered. "I know, it's weird-"

"I never said it was weird" I cut him off. "And if anyone is telling you that then they're wrong. I think it looks great!"

"What's your name?" He asked, suddenly looking a bit more confident. I put my hand out for him to shake, to which he did.

"Aaliyah Rivera" I answered. He let go of my hand and seemed to grow awkward.

"Danica- I mean, Ms. Marrero's new assistant?" He questioned. I nodded causing him to sigh.

"What? What's wrong?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing. It's just her assistants don't tend to keep their job and I was looking forward to working with you" He answered.

"You mean, Ms. Marrero fires them?" I asked in worry.

"No, they quit. Ms. Marrero can be really hard on them" He said. He seemed to notice how nervous I was getting. "But, they were nothing like you! I mean, you really look like you can handle it. You seem like someone she would like"

"How do you know all that?" I asked curiously. He slouched a bit and didn't seem like he really wanted to answer.

"We're related" He answered

(Okay, that's all I got)