Like Nobody's Business

Working With The Negatives

Nayeli Binns

"As soon as I'm finish working I'm coming straight home, I don't get off until three."

"You said that already," my mother replied with her eyes glued to the television.

"I'm saying it again. I love you." I closed the door behind me and began my journey to the bus stop. The bus was empty seeing that it's was so late, it took approximately twenty minutes before I reached my stop and head up the sidewalk to enter where I now work. I have already been assigned to a specific area so I didn't waste my time changing and collecting the necessary supplies so I could get to work. I was partnered with two other females, I hope for my sake they didn't witness what happened between me and Alexander.

When I entered the locker room I went straight to my locker ignoring every other person in the room. I thought about leaving my phone in my bag but decided not to, simply because I want to see if my mother is calling.

I noticed all the other female workers had uniforms that were noticeably shorter and tighter than they should be. I couldn't help but wonder how hard it is going to be for them to clean since they can barely move.

"It is going to be so funny watching their shit pop." Someone beside me said lough enough so only I would hear. I turned to look at her with a small smile, at least I'm not the only one.

"I was just thinking the same thing." I laughed at the thought, she then closed her locker and faced me with a grin on her face.

"I don't know what exactly they told these girls they were cleaning." She said as we both watched another female walk pass us with her face covered in makeup.

"I'm Stormi Miller," she stretched her hand for a handshake which I gladly accepted. She looks like someone I could get along with unlike half the other girls here.

"Nayeli Binns."

"You're the one I got partnered with," she said unsure before pulling me to the list pinned on the small notice board that hung on the wall in the room. "Yes, it's me you and Lyndon Dougherty." When she finished with her attempt to pronounce the name we both couldn't help but laugh at how terrible she did.

"I can not believe I got stuck with you two," a female's voices spoke behind us, instantly we both turn to face the person. She looked like a sweet girl, her hair was jet black. Something tells me her attitude may not match her innocent looks.

"At least I look the best," Lyndon said under her breath as we waited for the elevator to arrive on the floor we were assigned to. I didn't try to stop to look of disgust that formed on my face. Congratulations on looking the best Lyndon, too bad your appearance isn't going to get the job done.

"Shut up stupid, let's see how cute you look holding a mop." I can see that she's very forthright and truthful about whatever she wants to say.

As soon as we came off the elevator we didn't waste another second bickering with another instead we went straight to work. Sweeping, wiping, and dusting every inch of our assigned floor.

"I'll take Alexander's office you guys seem tired." We were both surprised by Lyndon's words.

"Actually no, that's Nayeli's job. We were told-warned not to step foot in there." Stormi said and pushed me towards the door with the cart. I used my back to the door open so I could pull the cart inside but when I turned around I was surprised to see Mr.Nixon sitting at his desk, a pen between his fingers and papers in his hand.

"I'm sorry I didn't know you were here still, I'll come back later." I turned around to leave but he quickly stopped me.

"No it's fine, you can just clean around me if it's not too hard. I'll be out of here soon anyway." He was looking at me with a small smile then went back to what he was doing before. When I began working I paid close attention to every detail of his office, from the overly expensive furniture to paintings that hung on the wall, even the glass bottle of dark brown liquor.

The room was quiet as both did our individual jobs, the only sounds that could be heard were him flipping through papers and me spraying the surface of furniture before I wiped it clean. I was starting to regret not coming with earphones so it could have comforted me a little, the silence and he didn't try to hide whenever he would stop to look at me.

"Are you just going to stare at me or are you going to do finish your work?" I pointed to the clock that hung on the wall. "It's getting late."

"Sorry if the staring makes you uncomfortable, I didn't realize you noticed me." He closed the folder in his hand and placed it on the table.

"Are you going to keep doing that?" I asked all while still doing my job.

"Excuse me, what?" He asks this as if it's not obvious.

"Are you going to stare at me or do your work?" I asked with a chuckle but instead of him answering me he opened the folder of papers he held in his hand.

By the time I was finishing working I was completely tired, the only thing that I cared about was going home to sleep. When I went back to the locker room I decided I would be taking the subway so after saying goodbye to Stormi and Lyndon who brushed me off I began my trip to the Metrorail.

As I was walking a black Jeep slowed down beside me and for a second fear struck me. You must understand how relieved I felt when the windows rolled down and relieved Mr.Nixon.

"I can take you where you want just get in." He demanded and I didn't stop to think about it seeing that I wasn't too happy about my late night walk to the subway.

Inside is just as comfortable as I imagine it would be, it has a beige leather interior and it's very spacious.

"You can just take me to the Metrorail, I'll take it to get home." I buckled my seatbelt.

"Are you sure I can take you straight home." He replied and I laughed. "Why are you laughing?" He had a smile himself.

"It's just weird how kind you are to me, don't get me wrong I know you're a generous man.." He cut me off.

"How do you know that? Do you know about me? A fan perhaps." His tone was playful and my smile grew bigger.

"As if, don't flatter yourself. Metrorail." I buckled my seatbelt before he drove off. We shared nothing more than goodbyes when we reached my destination.

My mother was sleeping just as I expected when I got home, my shower was amazing and I couldn't wait to go to sleep, as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out like a light.