Clash Into Clasp

CHAPTER 11 - Drained

Almost an hour passed before she was called to Mr. Caldwell's office.

"How's your project going?" The question came after she sat down across from him.

"Doing well, perhaps I can finish the whole design within the week," she replied with confidence.

"Good," Albert made a nod. "Pauleen was fired and so one worker was gone. Mr. Anderson said we don't need to hire a new one to replace her because you are going to do what's supposed to be that person's work."

"What?" Alexis exclaimed in surprise.

"He said you owe him a lot and so this is how you can pay it faster. Do the work of two and receive the salary of two. Isn't that a good offer?" Albert gave her an eye.

She was at a loss for words. Sure it was a good offer but she doesn't know if she can split herself into two.

"I know you can do it, Lex," Albert said again. "You said you'd do your best and I'm seeing that the way of work you're doing now is still not your best. There's some more you can do. Besides, it's an order from the president. You don't have a choice."

She nodded. "I hope I can do the work of two."

"Well, why not you begin trying? Here's the project that Pauleen was working on. It's just the typical design of a family house." Albert handed her some papers and a flash drive.

"Alright," she nodded and accepted it. May she have the strength she needed.

Hours and days passed quickly for her. It's the busiest days she's ever had, setting aside entertainment, chats with her friends, pastime, and free time, including her devotional times. It's not her intention to miss the time she set for the Lord but she woke up one day and it was already late so she didn't have time for it, leaving only a tiny time to fix herself.

Since that morning, she has always missed it which made her guilty when she thought about it. Her time for the church was eventually robbed as well and at first, it gave an enormous guilt.

However, her other mind said that God understands. It's her only way to pay her debt faster and if she's no longer bound, perhaps she can go back to Arizona and become a municipal architect there, or she will still stay at EDA and earn some money for her own home. But those were maybes. She doesn't know what to do, but right now, she's focusing on the work she has to do.

"Lex, you seemed to be forgetting something." Her landlady met her as soon as she climbed the stairs and got near her room.

It was then that she remembered that it was the last day of the month.

"Oh, I'm sorry Miss Perry. I'll pay tomorrow," she answered with a plea in her voice.

Albert had said that her salary was deducted from her debt and so she hadn't received a penny during the payout.

The landlady gave her a hesitant look before she gave in. "Alright. You said tomorrow."

Anxiousness filled her as she watched the older woman walk away. She will talk to Albert tomorrow and ask for some amount for her house rent and necessities for in fact, her account was already empty and her supplies were running out.

Taking a deep sigh, she opened the door and went in. Feeling the whimper in her stomach, she went into the kitchen to find something to eat.

She pouted when she only found cereals.

After filling her bowl, she opened the fridge and grabbed the milk. It was very nearly empty. She opened the lid, poured it all out and it only filled the bottom of the bowl.