The Best Bride

7. JOB

Just before the daybreak, I woke up feeling cold and uncomfortable from the cemented floor on the open rooftop of some unknown skyscraper. I'd taken refuse on here after encountering those four loathsome guys ensuring myself no one would come to taunt me here, and surely no one did. But the night had been rough for me. Cold, hard floor, empty stomach and little strength left in my body had not made sleep easy.  

I rose to my feet carefully since I felt weak from hunger and thirst. I walked to the edge and looked at the twilight view of the city adorned with lights and colors throwing out the impression of luxury and civilized life in air while there were still some tiny brained people like the four creepy guys from last night.  

The distant outline of the hills captured my attention. The city was a valley. Just like Wingland. 

Before I jumped off from the ledge and flew down to the ground, I checked inside my bag. The Sunshield and magic Gum were safe in there. I hadn't got chance to wash my face since I hadn't found out any tap. I could feel dirt sticking on my face, but that didn't stop me from putting on the Sunshield.  

I double-checked the backyard of the skyscraper after I landed; the backyard was clear. It made me sure no one had caught me swooping down the building.  

If any one had seen me by chance from behind the window or through the surveillance camera, there was nothing I could do to them. And I won't blame myself if they had gone into shock too.  

I wandered the city all morning like an idiot, but it had a good outcome. I stopped by the printed sign on the window of one of the restaurants I was passing by. Luckily the sign read Waiter Wanted. It gave me an idea. Doing a job would be so much beneficial to me.  

I checked the restaurant's name - Himalayan Restaurant, before entering inside, and told the waitress serving the table nearby the door that I wanted to meet her boss. She indicated across the room at the man sitting behind the counter. 

The owner of this restaurant was talking in his cell phone. His face triggered a memory. The jogger. He was the first man that I'd talked to. I remembered the lie I told him and felt shy.  

I was about to leave the place without talking to him when he put down the device and stopped me. I turned around and faced him. Instantly he recognized me too, probably by my wings.  

"Hey, we've met before, right?" 

"Yes," said I. "In the park. So you own this place?" 

"Yes," said he. "But my apartment is somewhere nearby Balaju Park. You come for coffee or lunch?" 

Both, if I didn't have to pay for them. "Why didn't you keep robots as waiters instead of people?" I questioned him instead.  

"'Can't afford robots," said he. "Beside I just opened this business. It hasn't been more than a month." 

I looked around the buzzing restaurant and said, "The place seems almost full. Business must be going on well then."  

"Yes," said he. "But we're facing a bit of a problem. Lack of workers, actually. Most people usually don't want to do small jobs like waiting-table nowadays." 

There was my chance now. I forced myself to say, "Well, I like to do small job." 

His forehead crumpled. "Sorry if I'm mistaken, but do you mean to say you want to do the waiter job here?" 

I nodded.  

His forehead became smooth again, and he banged the desk with his fist. "You're hired, lady! " 

"Thanks," I sighed in relief.  

"You can start working from tomorrow if you want."  

"Actually, I was hoping if I can start from today."