Thorns and Berries

Chapter Fifteen

Hameed

I had glanced once, twice and thrice at her outside the building and had seen she was still there, lingering by her car, pacing forth and fro restlessly with her phone clinging to her ear every now and then. She looked tired, restless and drained of hope. The children were not in view and I guessed that were inside the car. It pained me to see her that way and I cursed at himself for lashing out at her. Even though she had been so hard headed to accept my help and selfish not to consider the children's comfort and manage to accept my help for their sake, I still regretted the harsh manner I had spoken to her.
    
An hour later, I was in the men's changing room, taking my work uniform off and tucking them into my backpack before putting on my casual wears. It was already 5pm and my shift for the day was over. Initially, when I had started work here a few days ago, It had been a little difficult for me to manage things and keep away from the questioning eyes of the public. But now, I felt unusually comfortable and had learnt to ignore surprised and puzzled stares and gaze from people as to why the almighty Hameed Indimi, son of Sambo Indimi, would be working as a common cashier in a mall. Asides my newly found comfort, I had also learnt to relate well with my colleagues. Except of course, the little troubles I was facing with the female co-workers and customers. I had never had a passing day without being asked out for lunch or dinner by any of them. Most especially the customers.
   
I had always been used to getting attractions from women I admit. I really did find it interesting, except for these past few days. All of a sudden, I felt they were nothing but mere instruments of distraction and my current job was more important to me than paying attention to any of them.
       
"Are you leaving already, dear?" Came a girly-too-girly voice from beside my counter as I slung my backpack over my back. That was my colleague, Annabelle, whose job was a cashier too in the mall.
   
I frowned slightly but immediately camouflaged my countenance with a smile before facing her. I hated that she was always on my tail.
       
"Yes, Anna."
       
"But it has started raining already, pretty boy." She said and I breathed deeply. Yes, I was aware it had already started to rain but that would not mean I was going to spend an extra minute here. I needed to get home and lie comfortably on my bed right now and have his guys come over for some chilling and a jolly good time.
       
"Yea. I'm aware of that. I'll still be leaving anyway."
       
"Really?" She asked, batting her really long lashes as she toyed with the long braids of her blonde hair held in French plaits. "So, you're going to leave me here alone? All by myself?"
    
I inhaled some air before releasing it again. It was irritating the way she was acting right now. It seemed as if she was about to consume the whole of me right this moment.
       
"Yea. Sorry about that, Anna. I've got things to do at home. I promise to make it up to you tomorrow." As soon as I finished saying those words, I pinched myself inwardly. How could I be so careless to make a promise to her? I knew she would never let him have a breathing space without fulfilling my promise.
       
"Okay. Dinner after work tomorrow, then." She batted her lashes at me again and continued playing with the braids of her hair. Annabelle was a gorgeous and attractive lady but still, I would rather not have anything to do with her. She was too girly for my preference. Too much of a fashion and a makeup freak. I was done with all those nonsense for now.
       
"Alright then, a dinner tomorrow night it is." I agreed and glanced at my wristwatch again. "I better get going now. See you tomorrow, Anna." I said and made to leave but Annabelle's voice stopped me again.
       
"You shouldn't go out without an umbrella, hon. I can lend you mine since I'll be staying a little longer. I'm sure the rain would have stopped falling before my shift would be over."
    
I heaved in gratitude to the heavens. Now, that was the best thing I have heard from her ever since I was paired to work with her.
    
I rushed to her and gently collected the umbrella which was already in her waiting grips. I didn't want her to know how desperate I was to have one, or she might take advantage of it. I had no idea how, but I was sure she would and I didn't want that. Not now.
       
"Thanks, Anna. You're a lifesaver."
        
"Anything for you, baby. Take care of yourself, okay? And don't catch a cold."
    
I gave a genuine and soft chuckle this time. One thing about Annabelle –she was one of the few sweetest people I had met so far. Very caring, selfless and loving. But not my type.