Our Forever Sunset

Chapter 6: Shoulder

Carla Robinson

My life has become increasingly focused on study and work since I began working. In contrast to how I used to go shopping or hang out at my friends' houses. Nowadays, I don't even have time for myself; it seems like all of my time is spent either working or studying because I'm in year 12. Not only that, but the amount of work I have at school is too much for me to slack off. I don't even have time to skip a day of homework.

"Hello Carla," Jane said as I walked into the kitchen.

I looked at her and waved my right hand. After seeing my face, Jane had a horrified expression on her face. "So, what happened to you? Did you get enough sleep?" Jane questioned. I met Jane when she switched shifts to Saturday and Sunday mornings. She's very sociable and loving, and she's very outgoing and easy to talk to. She even gave me advice and tips for my year 12 exams.

"There are a lot of things I need to finish, not to mention all the work that I must study for in advance." I put away my belongings in the lockers provided for us.

"Even if you're in year 12, take care of yourself and relax; don't put too much stress on yourself." Jane seems genuinely concerned about my well-being.

"Thank you, Jane. I'll get lots of rest after today" I gave her my assurance that I would get some sleep.

"ok, let's get to work" Jane clock-in and walked to the register, I followed after her. I've been serving customers for 4 hours and it's time for my 10-minute break. So this is how my work schedule looks at my place of employment. We get a 10-minute break every 5 hours of work; if we work more than 5 hours, we get a lunch break and two 10-minute breaks.

I've only been standing for 4 hours, but it feels like I've been standing for 8 hours; my legs are sore, but most importantly, I'm exhausted. It's as if I'm running out of battery power like a smartphone.If you work as a cashier or in customer service, you will completely agree with my statement. At least once a day, I'd get into an argument with a customer or a customer who was simply trying to cause trouble for the workers. I just love how they ruin my mood when I'm feeling upbeat and cheerful, especially in the morning.

When the kitchen is busy or overcrowded, some of the employees at my workplace take their breaks in the hallway. Today I decided to take a short nap or simply relax in the hallway. I sit on the chair and just close my eyes, as soon as I shut my eyes I started to doze off.

"Carla, wake up," someone gently shakes me in my sleep. I was so drained that I wanted to sleep even when I heard someone calling my name. I moved my eyelids slowly and now I can see legs. Legs? I quickly open my eyes wide. Whose legs are they? What is this firm texture I'm feeling under my head?

Then I realised my head was resting on Xander's shoulder. I gasped in horror, I'm done for. What should I say? How do you describe this situation? I try to calm myself down and think rationally. First I need to ask him what happen and why my head is resting on his shoulder. I turn to Xander and looked him in the eyes. We looked at each other and I break the silence by asking "hmm, would you mind telling me what happen?"

"I think you should go back to work. It already pass 10 minutes" Xander responded.

I blinked my eyes a few times after hearing him, then I pull out my phone and look at the time. Shit! I took a 15 minutes break instead of 10 minutes, I will be in trouble. I rushed back to the register without hearing Xander answer to my question.