A Moment of Time

09:30 a.m.

Alicia had just stepped out of her house into the unusually quiet street and wondered why there were no taxis to be seen. alicia

As she looked around helplessly, a helpful passer-by informed her about the taxi strike. She glared at the creature who had dared to apprise her of reality as if he was personally responsible for her problems. Not one to take blame without guilt, the man quickly explained that the news of the impending strike had been widely reported in the past couple of days and elaborate notices had been placed in the newspapers to help commuters plan in advance. But hey, how was she to know if no one had told her. Since when was the newspaper useful for anything else other than swatting flies or scouring where the next sale was. Even angrier and frustrated than before, she growled and stomped her foot. Wondering what he had done wrong, the innocent man scuttled off – too scared to even point out his innocence in the whole taxi situation. He had even been in favor of the taxi drivers, he mumbled to himself.

09:42 a.m

Alicia boarded the train and stood near the door, blur.jpgwatching the handrails whiz past.
Trust everything to go wrong today, she cursed. From the alarm not going off to the cold water in the shower. Not to mention the taxi drivers being on strike today.  To top it all, she had had to take the train. Never mind that the train was the only thing that seemed to be holding true to its promise.

train

 

10:00 a.m.

She alighted from the train and looked at the watch. The duration of the journey had been just 17 minutes, exactly as promised on the route map.

 

10:06 a.m.

Alicia hurried down the curb, muttering under her breath. She was already late. Of all the days, she had to be late today! The day of the all important interview. This was her dream job and this was her dream company. And she was late for this most important interview. The one final interview where it would be decided whether she was qualified to join or not, for that very interview she was late. Alicia scowled, and berated herself repeatedly.

10:09 a.m.

As she passed by the big windows in the shops, she glanced at her reflection in one of the windows and cursed inaudibly. Her shabby appearance would certainly help if she was playing the part of the sweeping lady. But no, she was appearing for an interview and hence any fancy dress competition would have to wait. Of course, if there was a fancy dress competition she would win first prize as a scarecrow. Or maybe, permanently become a scarecrow, if she didn’t get the job.

She smoothed her hair down with one hand and with the other, fought with her scarf. She glanced at her reflection again as she passed by another shop window and wrapped the scarf again as elegantly as one could at that pace. She strode down the street, trampling anything that dared to cross her path. Even the birds and animals seemed to sense her hostile mood and attempted to stay away from her. The angry, rapid clickety-click of her platform heels was an indicator to the squirrels to duck for cover. They peeked out and breathed a sigh of relief once she passed by.  The bees fluttered out of her way and the ants skittered away. She wasn’t one to be messed with today, they figured.

10:11 a.m.

The street was full of annoying people trudging along, she thought, as she maneuvered in and out of the crowds. Why couldn’t they take the taxi? She thought irately. “Oh right, strike!” She remembered sullenly.
She rapidly darted in and out of the curb, sometimes even stepping on the road to gain speed and time.street.jpg

10:14 a.m.

Just as she stepped on the road again, her foot landed on a drain grill and she lost her balance, twisting her ankle. “OWWWWW!” Her yelp made a bewildered puppy run for his life and a grown man jump out of his skin.

10:15 a.m.

She sat there on the curb, massaging her foot while cursing and muttering under her breath; oblivious to all the pedestrians rushing toward their destinations.

10:17 a.m.

She finally got to her feet and tested her ankle. Fortunately, it wasn’t a sprain and she would be able to walk on it in a few minutes. She slowly hobbled and hopped, careful enough to not put too much weight on the injured ankle.

10:20 a.m.

After what seemed like a walk along the length of the Nile, she reached the building. skyscraper

She pushed open the double doors of the skyscraper and stepped into the foyer. She was finally here, she thought relieved. Worried about the time and the negative impression her tardiness would give, she hurriedly limped across the lobby and pushed the elevator call button. To Alicia, it seemed to be taking its own sweet time. Just when I am in a hurry and injured. I am injured! She shouted soundlessly at the elevator doors.

10:25 a.m.

Is it even moving, wondered Alicia, while annoyingly staring at the overhead display, waiting for the numbers to change. She was on the 4th floor and at this speed, it would be a miracle if she ever reached the 19th floor. She tapped her fingers on the silver panel and rolled her eyes.

10:28 am.

After what seemed like an eternity to Alicia, the elevator bell dinged. Finally!
“What the …. ” She stared aghast, as the elevator doors remained closed. She ranted and screamed, silently again, as the elevator doors conspired against her. Finally, they did open and Alicia breathed nervously as she smoothed her hair down again. She stepped out and walked to the reception, her ankle feeling more comfortable now.

10:30 a.m.

“Hi,” Alicia said to the plump girl at the desk. “I am Alicia Marks. I spo…”

“Oh. Hi! You must be here for the interview,” the lady interrupted.
Alicia smiled brightly. She had, after all, managed to reach at the appointed time.
The lady looked at her computer screen and clucked her tongue, shaking her head. Alicia stared in displeasure at the girl who was opposite to her, and not just because she stood across the desk. Did she just make that clucking sound at Alicia? How dare she? Alicia decided she would complain to her interviewer about the insolence of the receptionist.
“Uh… huh. No. I’m afraid it’s been pushed to tomorrow. We’ve sent you an email more than an hour ago…” She paused to check the time. “Yep, more than an hour ago updating you about the same,” said the lady and beamed back at Alicia.

 

No Comments
  • ranu802
    Posted at 15:16h, 21 November Reply

    I feel for Alicia, poor soul, after all that trouble of getting to the place of interview , she finds out, the date was changed. I’d be angry too if it happened to me. Your story is well constructed ,it made me anxious to know how it ends. 🙂 🙂

  • lavanya99
    Posted at 15:37h, 21 November Reply

    Alicia, pity! You brought out her irritation and frustration in such a beautiful manner. Well done! 🙂

  • Anne Gordon
    Posted at 16:32h, 22 November Reply

    You related exactly the way these situations play out. I have been Alicia in the past.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 16:35h, 22 November Reply

      Your comment made my day! Didn’t realize it was so realistic. 🙂 thank you for visiting.

  • Mamabear Chronicles
    Posted at 20:27h, 28 November Reply

    Awww, poor Alicia. At least she could now relax and go get a cup of coffee and calm down after such a crazy morning! Great piece!

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 03:57h, 29 November Reply

      Thank you. Glad you like it. Doubt that Alicia would have calmed down. She must have stamped her foot and thrown a tantrum! 😀

  • Vibrant
    Posted at 01:32h, 06 December Reply

    This might have been your first post I read and gave feedback on commons 🙂

    You might not remember now!

    Love and light <3

    Anand 🙂

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 01:44h, 06 December Reply

      Really?! This post was one of the later ones. Didn’t our interaction start much before this prompt?

      • Vibrant
        Posted at 02:21h, 06 December Reply

        Ahh! I didn’t comment on any of the previous ones I suppose. I might have wished you good luck though and see how quick a progress you are making with that 😀 😀 😀

        But seriously where were you before? Such a talent where was it hiding?

  • Aditi Pallod
    Posted at 02:41h, 11 February Reply

    Hey Wandering Soul! I’d like to say that I love your comment box writing: “Telepathic Systems are down at present. Please use below box to communicate.” I thought it was a cute message!

    Anyway, I was scrolling through my feed, waiting for a picture or an excerpt to catch my eye, and I almost went right past yours! I quickly reread the little excerpt, and just knew that it was going to be worth it.

    I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful read. I can really connect with Alicia, and though I haven’t ever been her, I can imagine what she was like. It was really descriptive and truly relayed the facts in a manner that was not only interesting but uncannily accurate.

    This has been one of the best blog posts I’ve read in a while! 🙂

    Love,
    Aditi

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 05:01h, 11 February Reply

      Wow, Thanks! Aditi, you made my day with that comment. Such a huge compliment. Jadoo can stay on Earth. I am floating high above the stratosphere. Hope to crank out more of those ‘best blog posts’, soon! Thanks so much. Much love back to you 🙂

      • Aditi Pallod
        Posted at 11:49h, 11 February Reply

        Awesome blog posts deserve huge compliments! No problem at all, you deserved the praise for your fabulous writing.

  • MindandLifeMatters
    Posted at 03:15h, 11 February Reply

    I am thinking about what Alicia would’ve done to that receptionist! 😉

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 03:34h, 11 February Reply

      Probably would have scared the poor girl, when she stomped her foot and would have sprained her ankle, for sure, this time 😀

  • sassandsauce
    Posted at 04:42h, 11 February Reply

    This is me. I am Alicia 😀
    Great post dearie. I don’t usually go for fiction on blogs, but I’m glad I made an exception this time.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 04:57h, 11 February Reply

      YAY! Thrilled to be the lucky one, Sassy! Thanks so much! How are the wedding preparations coming along? 🙂

      • sassandsauce
        Posted at 04:59h, 11 February Reply

        So sweet of you to ask. I’m kind of taking a break from it. Will get back on track this weekend. My cat passed away recently and ever since I haven’t been able to get in the wedding mood 🙁

        • Wandering Soul
          Posted at 05:04h, 11 February Reply

          oh my God! That’s such sad news. Sorry to hear that. What happened?

          • sassandsauce
            Posted at 05:05h, 11 February

            We think it was a cardiac arrest. It was so sudden. And he was ayoung cat. Just 4 and a half. It is just so sad.

          • Wandering Soul
            Posted at 05:11h, 11 February

            Oh dear! It’s really sad for a loved one to go away so soon. 🙁 I hope you feel better though his absence would always be felt. I’m sure Min-Min is in a better place, gleefully chasing rabbits somewhere. Shall ask Jadoo to connect with him and tell him you miss him and that you send your love. 🙂

          • sassandsauce
            Posted at 05:13h, 11 February

            Awww Thanks so much. I’m trying my best to believe he’s in a happier place. But yes, please do tell Jadoo 🙂 :*

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  • Anand
    Posted at 02:36h, 13 February Reply

    I knew it! I had no idea what would happen, but I knew that something will happen and it will make her look like a fool. You know why? Because this sort of things happen to me with such regularity that I’ve stopped counting them. And now that girl will have to do everything again! Great story! Now you know why I once called you a storyteller.

    • Wandering Soul
      Posted at 03:03h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you. I am beaming gleefully at that compliment.

      • Anand
        Posted at 01:43h, 14 February Reply

        Beam away!

  • Oluseye Ashiru
    Posted at 20:36h, 13 February Reply

    I actually started to react as I thought Alicia would. Lol.
    I enjoyed this.

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