Hard Knocks

Chapter 2 "Changes"

Nia

" Good Morning Mr. Harper " I said to the friendly janitor.

He was a nice little old man. Treats me better than some of the colleagues I have.

" hi there darling " he said coughing badly.

I put down my paper work jogging over to him making sure he was ok.

I walked him to a seat nearby.

" thank you sweet heart but you didn't have to do that " he said as I handed him the cup of water.

" it's no problem Mr.Harper you know you like a friend here to me " I smiled

" well thanks but I think it's time for me to retire love, I've already sent Mrs. Ellington my resignation forms "

I was a little sad. He was a cool person.

" oh my god you can't leave me here " I said pouting.

" Awwwl Im gonna miss you too butterfly " he said calling me by the nickname he gave when I first started working here.

He said I reminded him of that.

" well let me get going to work "

" yea that's right, by the way I saw that little article it was wonderful "

A smile even bigger appeared my face.

" thanks "

After getting off on the fifth floor I went to my cubicle.

It was mess as usual. I really try to stay organize but when you have scatter mind you can never get anything in place.

" oh my is that Nia I hear " My friend Marley said.

" and is laaate " she said dragging the "a"

" oh hush it's only five minutes not 10 or 15 "

" well excuse me that's only because I have 5 year old to care for who needs her mommy 24 hours seven days a week "

" how is my baby doll " I said sitting in my comfy rolling chair.

" she's fine her father is getting her for the weekend thank God "

" awwwl I wish could of seen her "

" it's fine you'll have your other play dates. "

" but speaking of Dates "

" Marley please don't start " I said powering up my computer.

" whaaat a friend can't wonder about their friend love life "

" that's non-existing " I added shaking my head.

" well it don't have to be if you just take my advice "

" blackpeoplemeet, really Marley " I looked back at her.

I felt like dating websites period was a no-no. It's out the ordinary and I refuse to be the desperate to go through a website to meet someone.

" hey don't knock it until you try it " she said rolling her chair back inside her cubicle next to mine.

I proceed on my research on incarceration and mental health in the black community.