Nicole

A few weeks ago, I was the type of girl who would sleep pretty hard. But after that night, if I get any sleep at all, it is rare. Sleep is something I need to work on so I can fall asleep without tossing and turning or waking up at five in the morning. Soon after that night, I signed a lease for an apartment. I couldn't go to my parent's house because they passed away a few years ago. And I do not get along with my grandparents. Or my aunts, much less my cousins. I have a younger brother who is about 20 years of age but I don't want to bother him. More like I don't want to tell him what happened. 

I look towards the window and notice the sunlight is much brighter than when I usually wake up. I sit up to check my phone. My body reacts before my brain can process as I realize I am running late. My sleep schedule is all over the place. My mind has been adjusting to my life as it is and there is a big ache when I lay awake. When I signed the lease to this apartment I realized I needed money to pay for it. So, I applied to a prestigious laboratory. I grab my bag and everything else such as keys, and my phone and lock up before heading out. 

Because my brother is still in college I decided to move two hours away. It gives us the right amount of space but a good amount of proximity. He probably agree if he knew, I'm just glad I found a job. Glad that job is two hours away from my brother. The apartment also happened to be convenient, and I was glad I didn't have to change apartments. Getting rid of my lease would have been a headache I did not need. The job is a bus ride away. Thankfully, I bought a car with the money I had been saving. Sadly, now I am using that money for a car and an apartment rather than a wedding. Riding the bus is not my scene, I have to say I am not much of a walker unless it's to thinking or clear my mind. 

I enter the building and keep my head down. Here if you are on time you are late. It's known that scientists are always late but for today, our supervisor wants to have the appearance of a professional. I've hardly ever seen a scientist be professional unless it's for someone important. Like the people who fund the projects or research. The people who work here are rather unprofessional, there is one half that is high up on their horse while the other could care less if we have a special guest or a building inspection. 

As I scan my ID card to get into the building to access the elevators, I take cover as I see my supervisor getting off the elevator with a man wearing a tailored blue suit. I wait in the corner as they walk away from the elevator. It's not like for me to arrive late to work, the last thing I want is to give everyone at my workplace the satisfaction of seeing me imperfect. I like to keep my image as professional as possible. Before I was a ragged unmannered girl, but that has all changed I am not treated differently. I want to have that expectation from everyone. I hate it when people look down on me because I did my career through hard work. As I don't see my supervisor anymore, I take one more look before my body decides to move first. 

Wham! My body weight is overcome by the sensation of a wall. Losing my balance, I find myself on the ground. It takes me a second to shake it off and look at what caused me to stumble. Looking forward I notice that it isn't a wall but a person. I take a look around for my supervisor as I collect the things that fell out of my hands. As I get up, I look at the person who I collided with. He's wearing a black tailored suit. He bends down to pick up the keys that I missed to collect and as he hands me the keys I take note of his watch. The man doesn't apologize he just dusts a spot of his suit. Before I could react to his gesture, I heard my supervisor's voice approaching. 

I get on the elevator and make my way to my office. I started working as a forensic scientist at a laboratory called Fairview Investigation Laboratory about a week ago. A few weeks ago, I had plans to work a temporary job because I had plans that I would be a housewife at some point. But that is no longer an option, at least it's not for the next few years. This job fits my personality, I see myself working hard and succeeding here. This place is going to help me bounce back. I will this job not only a distraction but to remind everyone who wronged me that I am not at their level. At least, not anymore. 

My office isn't a typical office where it looks secluded. In the laboratory. the offices are more like spaces in a big office area with at least five other scientists. It usually doesn't feel overcrowded, as a few will be in the office space and others will be inside the laboratory area. I was hired a few weeks ago as a research assistant, I applied not expecting much, but with my background, it was not a surprise that they hired me. The only people with their own private office are the supervisor and the lead who looks over the projects. 

Taking my seat at my assigned space, everyone else seems to be inside the laboratory looking busy. I start my everyday routine, by looking through some data. In a matter of seconds, the supervisor comes in with two other men dressed professionally. Without a second thought, my supervisor approached me and I stand up in response. 

"Nicole, you were supposed to be here 10 minutes ago." He crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow. 

"I am so sorry."

"How many of these should I expect?" Darrin Nelson is my supervisor. I can't say he's a strict person but this is the one time he expects everyone should be acting as professionals. 

"It was a one-time thing, Mr. Nelson." I try to explain. 

He holds a hand up, "Before you start making promises you can't keep, make sure you show me it's actually a one-time thing."

Instead of arguing back, I nod. 

Mr. Nelson steps back to introduce me to the two men behind him. "Mr. Bylthe, this is Dr. Nicole Garza, the microbiologist."