Coffee, Books, and Bad Decisions: Merry Christmas

04/12

Somehow, I woke up early today, 7:50 A.M. Well, that's a first in the past 3 years. I thought. I looked around, then sighed. I swear I cleaned the apartment a few days ago. How do I get it like that?... Damn. I noticed the clothes on the floor, on chairs and furniture. But also the books, which were all around the place. I sighed, having a cringy smile at the sight of the place.

I shook my head and just focused on what I had to do for the day: Gathering papers for Arthur. I looked at the list he gave me. I needed a photocopy of an identity card, proof of social security coverage (the one outside of work), a bank identity statement, proof of accommodation, etc. So many documents... Too many... In itself, it was only the minimum that the law requires the employer to ask his employee. But putting everything together and scanning it takes so much time. I thought as I was scanning them. Then I checked on my computer to see if I had them all scanned. I forgot the ID... Where is my ID anyway? I thought. I looked around, scanning the room quickly. MY BAG! I rushed to it, looked inside, took everything out, repeated this three times, but could not find it. Then I checked every purse, backpack and everything, but nothing. Fuck! I though. I started looking in the room but could not find it. Then, despaired, I went back to my computer and sat, sighing... I looked at the table and saw the card next to my laptop. I slapped my head. I'm so fucking stupid.

After all that, I finished with documents I can only obtain online. I downloaded them and turned my printer on. I took a pile of paper, put them in and sat back to my computer. I clicked the printing button... Nothing.

I waited a bit, giving the benefit of the doubt to it... Still nothing.

I clicked on printing again... Nothing.

"Oh, for Christ's Sake! What now?" I looked to see if there were any error messages on my computer. Apparently the ink has an issue. So I looked at my printer's instruction manual, as I had no idea how to deal with that. I did a printer head cleaning. Then I crossed my fingers, hoping it would work. But it did not.

So I had to go to the store to buy new ink cartridges. I went in the store, which was not crowded yet for a Wednesday morning.

I rushed to the printing section but forgot to check which one I needed.

However, I had one in a zip bag in my bag. I went to a salesman guy and asked him about it. He asked about my printer. Fuck... I don't even know what my printer is. So we went to the printers so I could - hopefully - show him the printer model I have. Then, by some miracle, he found the ink, which was stored in the back of the store. Better than having none. I thought. I thanked him and went to the checkout.

Little did I know that it was already 11:30 and people started gathering at the checkouts. I rolled my eyes and sighed. You gotta be kidding me...
I waited... again... and again... and again. Oh look, a customer with a problem of price on an article... oh great- someone who pays in many ways, including small coins... It felt like a nightmare.

But I tried to stay calm, because I may have lost so much time, but I actually have until the end of the day. But I won't let Arthur wait for too long, though. I want to see him as soon as possible. I thought, somehow missing being with him already.

I chuckled as I thought again about him and his coffee from yesterday, and then the contract reading. That was really cute for the coffee. "Ma'am." I got out of my thoughts and saw the cashier calling me.

"Oh- sorry." I let out embarrassed and checked out, paying for my ink.

I drove back home. I arrived home. Climb up the stairs. Then enters my apartment. I locked myself and finally breathed. I look around. This is still a disaster. I thought, about the mess in the place.

I walked to my printer, changed the ink of all 4 colours, then did the head cleaning again. I try to print again. The error message is still on. I tried to force the printing, then a paper came in the printer. I gasped, smiling as it felt like it was finally going to work. Eureka- A smoke appeared from the printer. I panicked, unplugged the printer, swearing. I rushed opening windows, the smoke stopped. Then I went on the couch for a mental breakdown.

Hours later, the problem was not solved. I did not want to go out to print my papers in a random place, so I stayed home. I decided to text Arthur after lunch. So I went to the kitchen. But I could not eat as I had nothing much to eat there anyway. I just sat on the ground of my kitchen, giving up again.

I took my phone and tried to call Arthur. It was 1:17 p.m.

"Hello there, Eleanore." Said he. "Is everything alright?" He asked.

I took a deep breath. "Hello Arthur. Um... My printer died, and I spent all day trying to make it work... Do you think I could send you the documents by email, please?"

There was a small silence, then he answered. "Yeah, sure, of course you can. Do you have my email? Have you managed to scan your documents? If not, it's okay; just send me a picture; it does not really matter to me."

"Oh, um- Yeah, I have. I think I have every." I say, unsure. "I'll figure it out." I say.

"Well, if something is missing, I will let you know." He replied, his voice really nice as always, but a bit more serious than usual. That's nice.
I nodded, even though it was a phone call. "Alright. Thank you, Sir."

"Arthur." He corrected me. "I am only 5 years older than you." I could hear a hit of offense in his voice. I tried to contain a chucke. But I couldn't, so I just put the phone away for a second. Then back at my ear. "Anyway. I'll send you my email, and you can come to the store tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes, tomorrow."

"But yesterday, you said today. Are you sure-"

"Yes, I am sure. I forgot I had something planned in the shop for today. Tomorrow will be fine. I double-checked." He paused for a bit, probably checking again. "And the store seems to be all free to welcome you tomorrow- only if you can, of course."

"Oh- um. Yes. I can pass tomorrow."

"Great to hear that. I will see you tomorrow, then!" He said, his voice joyful.

We hung up, and I received his email address. I sent the documents after trying to find the best way to write the email. Then I laid on the couch, watching the ceiling.

Let's just call it a day.

After staying there, I just went back out and bought some food on my way from another grocery store.

I went home, put the groceries out, then in the fridge or wherever they go.

Then, after finally eating lunch at almost 4 p.m., I started tidying up and cleaning the place.

I finally did those laundries, then went to the local laundry place to use a coin for the dryer. And fold everything in the end.
At the end of the day, I was just tired.
I cooked, ate dinner, took a shower, brushed my teeth, then felt dead asleep.