NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 72

"How's that even possible? They hired me without seeing a resume?"

"Like I said, I pulled some strings."

"Well, what of type of job is it?" I ask indifferent. "What's this big prestigious position?"

"A janitor position." Matron Caine says, and then adds. "Buys you one more week."

"So that's my level now?" I ask, and their jaws drop.

"Girl, you're way past ungrateful. The only level you should worry about is your rising rent."

"Like I said, it's a done deal. I don't know why you're trying."

"Why we're trying?" Her voice hardens. "You really think we have to do this?"

"You're here, aren't you?"

"That's it!" She throws her hands up in the air. "Pack your things, Mary! You're out tonight!"

"No, Matron; no!" Tessa touches her shoulder. "Come on, Mary! Be smart for once. Just take the job. It's already yours. Take it!"

"Okay," I reply half-heartedly, my volume almost on mute, "when do I start?"

"What the hell did you just say?" Matron lunges at me. "Girl, I'll show you."

Tessa wedges herself between us before she makes contact. Still, I step back for my own safety.

"All right; all right!

"All right, what?" Matron shouts out of control. "We don't have all damn day! Out with it!"

"Calm down, Matron. I said I'll take your stupid job. I'm taking it!"

The shock of my response becomes her sedative. But after they finally leave, my anger flares up. I storm over to the bottle and grab it up with intent. Who are they to think they can stop me? What makes them think they can change my mind that easily? A whole bunch of angry questions swirling around in my head with no answers to quench their thirst. And there I remain for at least an hour, trying to figure out whether I should pretty myself up for eternal sleep, or woo myself back to planet earth with a cold shower. Eventually, I decide that the whole thing is one big game; that someone – maybe God – is toying with my emotions, bringing me to the brink of death then giving me hope that all the tomorrows can be mine, if I want them. So I decide to humour the game master by pulling back my fingers one by one and letting the bottle of pills fall back to the dresser.