The Aplha King's Addiction

LIZZY POV :

" It's high time I get my butt off the bed and pick up that damn phone, it has been ringing simultaneously with the alarm clock since dawn," I reluctantly mumbled to myself while still almost slumbering in sleep. The incessant ringing tone eventually made a waking noise in my ears causing me to jolt out of sleep. I rolled on the bed and stretched my hand to grab my phone from the vanity table close to the bedside. It was a call to announce the day and time of an interview for the job I have applied for, pressing the phone to my ear to listen to the soothing voice of the receptionist, viola, whose one point of duty is to always check calls to make an interview appointment with the applicants. I live alone in this town and it gets tiring sometimes, but my seamless struggle for survival, job, and success, including seeking employment in big firms, was one of the reasons I haven't given up on life. "How are you, Lizzy?" She asked in a worried tone. You are part of those applicants whose names have been selected and scheduled for an interview." Her tone was more exasperated now. She always worries about me and I have told her countless times that she didn't have to.

Viola is nice, kind, and humble. She has been very concerned about me and interested in my story since the day she set her eyes on me and was able to erase my past Okay viola, I heard you thank you for contacting me" I responded happily. I hate to talk about where I work. I mean, who would be so proud to tell the world that she works in a bar where she serves food for horny men. But I try, I try so hard to do away with those shameless men before they try to get a hold of me. "I get it, dear." Viola heaved a sigh over the phone. "Be hopeful that you will get a job soon." She was such an optimist, and that was one of the many reasons I like her. "I have a task to perform and so I will be off the phone now, will expect you over as soon as possible" She announced and I shrieked. I have longed for the longed job so much and can't wait to be welcomed into that company. I finished with my phone, and shot a deadly glare at my room, as untidy as I left it yesterday night. "Why does this alarm clock ring instantly without control? I swear that I thought the roof was on fire…"

I must do something about this clock so that this annoying and uncontrollable alarm sound can get corrected. The sound is deafening and can cause trouble. My eyes were clear and I'd myself back as the sleep was off me. I have to stay today, I need to check out a few more applications. Can't just depend on one promising interview and stay at home sulking all day. We have to struggle!" I reminded myself and stood up to prepare for the day in agreement with the decision.

Flash back to the early day of my settlement in this neighborhood, I love strolling out for pleasure. This very day.

It was very early in the morning, and the streets were clean and deserted. I was walking the streets to get acquainted with the neighborhood. As I compared the tower clock with my watch I realized that it was already much later than I had thought, I had to hurry, the shock of this discovery made me unsure of the way, I did not yet know my way very well in this town; luckily, a policeman was nearby, I ran up to him and breathlessly asked him the way. He smiled and said: “From me, you want to know the way?” “Yes,” I said, “since I cannot find it myself.” “Give it up! Give it up,” he said, and turned away with a sudden jerk, like people who want to be alone with their laughter.

I didn't let that mock bother me an inch, as I moved on to see what street is next, I spotted a building.

Who would expect an Embassy to be located near a ghetto as the one I live in, nobody. Nobody could have expected it, or be expecting it. It’s a surprise to us all.

Next street to the embassy is an old looking building, the health center. On the other side, a row of private residences, most of them belonging to the old people of the neighborhood. They have old-fashioned pillars on either side of their front doors, and it’s widely believed abandoned and old swimming pools out back. The embassy, by contrast, is not very grand. It is only a four- or five-room building at some point in the thirties, surrounded by a red brick wall, about eight feet high. And back and forth, cresting this wall horizontally, flies a shuttlecock. They are playing badminton in the Embassy.

When the weight of the loneliness of the night begins to lift and my night feels like the worst of all nights, I look on to Tarquin.

Tarquin was all soft blindness and

deep brown eyes that penetrated the

the very essence of me.

She was my first love affair and I adored him with all my being.

Her ever-listening ear was always

willing to share the highs and lows of my life, delight in my joys, and soak up adolescent angst. She still exists till I grew older; like I found my forever love.

Put aside, but never erased from

my life, Tarquin just lingered on the

fringe. Soft blindness now a dull patchy

brown, eyes faded, she inhabits a rocking chair.