The Start of Their Taunting

Bellezza

Ezza

———

When I walked inside the university building there weren't a lot of students in sight. My legs were almost giving out from walking here. Nevertheless, not more than 15 students could be seen around the front lawn of the university— either because it was 'still' early or they were all inside their respective rooms already.

I walked slowly and then I went looking for room 243. And when I did, I could see that my proctor was already sitting at her desk. She was typing on her laptop, and I know that I have seen her before. She teaches Biology and Medicine. Why was she the History exam proctor? That I do not know.

She has short blonde hair and big cat-eyed black glasses that were almost as big as her forehead covering her entire eyes and cheeks.

When I went inside, the desks were already labeled. I looked around and I saw that mine was on the last row on the far left. I don't have an issue sitting anywhere so I just made my way to my seat and waited for us to start.

When the loud ringing of the bell echoed throughout the entire school, we finally started. I don't know why I wasn't nervous, but I would take any time over mind-blocks and sweating.

After a few pen tapping, hours of deep information mapping, and a couple of brain cells burnt, I was finally done. Letting out a deep exhale, my shoulders relaxed.

My eyes looked up and thanked God, "Thank you."

When I looked at the proctor's table, I saw that there were still 40 minutes left before we had to pass our papers. I scrunch my eyebrows together, "Maybe I can pass mine earlier than the rest."

I crossed my fingers and made my way toward the front. I saw the proctor gave me an overall look which increased my nervousness. Maybe it was just me, but she looked at me funnily. I wet my lips and respectfully said slowly, "Miss… I was wondering if I could pass my papers earlier?"

She looked at me intently with a hawk eye; her eyebrow raised and lips smirking. And then, when I thought that she'd tell me to get lost, "Sure, Bellezza."

My eyes widened, but I gave her a big smile otherwise. "Thank you, Miss Chrissy. I really appreciate it."

"Of course," she smiled kindly, "are you in a rush?"

"Just work, Miss. And also, to clean my apartment up," I replied with the half-truth

"Alright then, I'll let you go now, just don't go wandering around the campus."

I smiled once more before going out of the exam room. At first, I thought she would not let me, but I thought wrong.

I rushed down the stairs, past the students gathered around, and out of the building before anyone I'm acquainted with saw me. If it wasn't for my growling stomach, I would've walked straight to the Calesa— the other side of town.

I could use the spare time I have to get myself something to eat; something cheap and simple, and I know exactly where to go. That food place wouldn't hurt my budget. I mean, I don't have a budget, to begin with.

At 6 blocks down, I arrived. The Oded's Kitchen. I used to go there whenever I came home from school. It's cheap, but its food was to die for. Its quality was higher than those high-brand ones.

I entered the bold mustard-colored building through its red door. I couldn't believe that it's been months since I have been here. But even though the food was cheap, when my budget is tight, I still can't afford it.

"Bellezza? Is that you?" I was pulled into a tight hug by soft chubby arms.

I turned around and looked at Mrs. Annie. "Good to see you back, Bellezza! Where have you been?"

"I have been busy with work and school, Mrs. Annie. I couldn't find any time to drop by," I said as I let go of me. Again, with half lies.

I have indeed been busy with work and school. Well, busy not getting fired at work. And time was all I had, lots of it. I just really couldn't afford it.

"Heh! How's that café job of yours going?" Taking my arm, sitting me down in one of the booths, "heard that they got good tea."

"O-oh! Yes.. yes! They do— amazing, amazing tea!"

"We will drop by soon," said Mrs. Annie, leaning in, "when's your next shift, Belle?"

My breath hitched and my heartbeat quickened. "NO! I mean— I d-don't know yet. My boss, yes! My boss still hasn't given me my schedule."

I smiled, trying to hide my panicked self. I couldn't help but tighten my grip on my bag. "Please believe me." I thought to myself.

I saw her eyes squint, but she let it go. "Oh, okay," she hesitated, taking my order, "what'd you take today?"

"I'll get the P1 smoked chicken wing with toasted corn, and ice water," I said in my usual order and smiled.

I let out a breath as Mrs. Annie walked away. I am glad that she let it go because I wouldn't know what else to say if she hadn't.

The clattering of different kitchen utensils can be heard throughout the whole room. Familiar faces can be seen, some of which I had seen around the town. The Oded's Kitchen was busy as usual.

While waiting for my order, I opened the work application folder. I read through them, and now I see why. I have had a lot of employers, and work experiences. But the period of all of it was not great.

"I don't look like a promising employee at all," I muttered to myself.

"Here's your P1 smoked chicken wing with toasted corn," the server, Alison, repeated my order as she put the plate down on the table, "and your ice water."

"Thank you, Alison."

"Yep,' no problem!" She replied, "and it's on the house."

"Than— wait what?"

"Mrs. Annie said it's on the house." And she left, smiling one last time.

My eyebrows met as I looked for any sign of Mrs. Annie. My heart was warmed by the gesture. My lips slightly turned upwards, muttering a small thanks before digging in.

I missed everything about this food. The sweet smoked flavored chicken tenders rest on my tongue. As my teeth ground the salted toasted corn, leaving a savory taste in me. It was heavenly.

---

When I finished the food, it was already 6 minutes past 3 p.m. I am minutes behind my schedule. And so I have to get going.

Taking my bag and folder with me, I got up and paced towards the counter; to where I found Mrs. Annie herself. I smiled widely and was about to take some cash out of my bag when she stopped me.

"It's really on the house, sweety. Just use that money for something more useful," she said, reaching my hands all the way from the other side of the counter.

"Mrs. Annie, I don't know how to thank you enough."

"You're a good kid, Bellezza. Great things are coming to your life, I know it."

Her assurance gave me comfort. I feel all the negative weight I have been carrying lifted off my shoulders— I feel hopeful.

"Thank you, Mrs. Annie! I needed to hear that."

"Today will change everything, Belle…. Now get going with your business."

I gave her one last smile before turning around, the thoughts in my mind didn't disappear. I walked happily towards the door, smoothing my skirt and my shirt. I looked back, my posture stiffening with happiness.

"I'm getting a job today!" I cheered upon myself, determined and full of positive light.

With that, I began my quest. I only have this day to find a job. If I don't, I don't know what else I'd be doing with my life. It was very refreshing to hear those words. Because these past few days, all I got was bad news. It was about time that life dazzled me with a little positivity.

I walked towards the Calesa's side of the town, where most of the high-paying stores were located. It was about 15 minutes away on foot and 5 by cab. And I would rather walk.

I was about to cross the street when I heard a loud bang. I jumped, and my heart almost leaped out of my chest. Not too long after that, a loud voice of a man followed shortly.

"Hey! You!"

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