"Well, if it isn't (Y/N)."
Sir Tootsie's nostrils were flaring. A vein was pulsating on his left temple, with his scowl so deep that (Y/N) thought he was going to explode.
That wouldn't be pretty.
"Good morning, s-sir." (Y/N) managed a nervous smile. "May I ask why you called me to your office?"
Heck, (Y/N) knew why. She was about to live in the streets and eat the local coconut pigeons. Or, maybe she could just go to Fionna and Cake's. . .
That would be too embarrassing. If she was going to live, she was going to do it on her own. She was eighteen now, for Pete's sake.
"You've been absent for three days," he said, his tone dangerously calm. "Not to mention your numerous lates! I need a reason, (Y/N). I don't wanna sack anybody, because we're short on people. But sometimes, some employees take advantage of that. I hope you're not one of those employees, (Y/N). Because in case you are, I'll have to fire you. Do you understand?"
"Yessir."
"Now, tell me."
Her boss was now looking at her intently, his chin resting on his steepled fingers. His office was a mess— with stacks of paperwork everywhere, a bunch of books arranged haphazardly in the shelf, the trash bin basically vomiting out crumpled papers and coffee cups, and that horrid bobblehead of what was supposed to be Prince Gumball on the desk, nodding at her. She wanted to chuck it in the trash bin basketball style, but that might just get her fired for real. Her boss was being really lenient now, so this wasn't an opportunity to waste.
"Well. . . I think I did tell you I had an emergency three days ago," she said. The ugly, bulbous head of the prince seemed to stare accusingly at her, but she ignored it. "I had to help a sick friend. But after that, I think I caught his sickness, too. So, yeah. I was sick for three days. I'm really sorry, sir, I promise it won't happen again."
She stared at him with what she hoped were puppy eyes. With her words, (Y/N) might hopefully coax a day-off out of him. And so, for extra measure, she coughed into the sleeve of her sweater.
Mr Tootsie Roll sighed, leaning back on his swivel chair. "Hrmph. If that's the case. . .why don't you take a day off?" He choked out the last part. "The last thing I need is all of my employees sick because of you. Now scram! Hope yah feel better by tomorrow!"
As soon she closed the door behind her, she couldn't suppress her triumphant smile.
Ah, the things (Y/N) could do at home. She could sleep, do her laundry, and kick back on the couch listening to the records she just recently bought from the Candy thrift shop. Although the day after that, she'll have to work five times harder just to appease her boss.
"Wazzup, (Y/N)!" Lexi greeted her as she was about to exit the diner. (Y/N) waved her hand in reply, giving the candied apple girl a weak smile.
She might as well keep up the acting. She coughed into her sleeve one more time. Lexi's features contorted in concern. "You okay? What happened to you?"
(Y/N) slouched, rubbing her nose. "I got sick, that's all. Sir wanted me to take a day off."
Lexi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Huh. Maybe I should pretend to get sick so I'll have one!" she laughed.
The corners of (Y/N)'s lips twitched. She began perspiring at the apple girl's statement. No way could she see right through her.
"(Y/N), do take time to take care of yourself, though. Rest well, okay? See you tomorrow!"
"Thanks for the concern." As she turned her back against the diner, she let out a sigh of relief.
And so, she went merrily on her way back home.
