I was attempting to rush through the last hour I had at work. I still had to go home and pick Brad up before getting to our meeting with Jason. Thank God I managed to get snacks prepped for today yesterday.
I looked at my phone, 1:37 pm. A few more minutes and I had to leave. I made sure to clean my mess and get a load in the dishwasher before I scrambled for the door. I was anxious. I felt my pores open wide and I swear I could feel air blow throw them. I was porous. Exposed like an egg. My shell being porous enough to allow air to run through, but enough membranes to protect my inner self. The yolk, being me, overly fragile.
I gripped my phone in my left hand as I wiped the counter with my right. I looked around at the floor to see if it needed sweeping before I left. Not necessarily a part of my job description, but it made sense as sweeping usually falls in the category of cleaning a kitchen. I grew impatient as I seen it needed a good sweep. I needed time to get home then back to the band office in time for the meeting. I looked at my phone again. Opened it and checked for messages. Only one.
Ruby:
'You have everything you need for the meeting?'
Me:
'What do you mean? I need things?'
I asked confused. All I was aware of was I was going to a meeting about the kids. To get a better understanding of what happened. It has now been five days and I hadn't seen them. I wasn't able to speak to all of them. Just the younger girls. I managed to say they were going for an extended visit at their Baba's house. I told them I didn't know when I would bring them home. I hoped it was enough for them. But I didn't get to say that to the older kids.
I felt myself become angry again as I swept the floor more aggressively than usual. I felt a co-worker of mine watching me from the side. I took a deep breath and tries to slow my movement down.
My phone buzzed.
I looked at the clock, 1:42 pm. Fuck! I was late. I had to go. I quickly finished sweeping and went to speak to Harper.
"I'm heading out now Harper." I said as I approached her.
"Okay Samantha." She said cheerfully.
"I worked through lunch yesterday and today and marked my timesheet for normal hours. The snacks for the 3's program is on the counter and kindicare is in the fridge. Can't be missed."
Harper giggled. "Okay Samantha. Thank you. And good luck!"
I offered a broken smile. "Thank you." I said sincerely. "I really do need it right now." I walked out the door.
I checked my phone as I walked.
Ruby:
'You're supposed to have your schedule.'
Me:
'You have my schedule. You were going to add to it, remember?'
Ruby:
'Yep. I got it. I'm on my way. Did you call mother?'
Me:
'Not yet. I'm walking out of work right now.'
Ruby:
'You can't be late Sam!! It won't look good!'
Me:
'I know. So stop talking to me so I can drive and make my calls.'
I closed my text window and opened my call window. Brad first since I have to pick him up. The phone rang.
