series of unfortunate events... or is it?

-4:00 P.M-

*Phone rings*

I jolted up from my nap to turn my alarm off. “Time to go,” I said while yawning. I packed my things to get ready to go home. “Great work today, Lisa,” I said to my colleague in the next room. “You too Natty. Be careful on your way home,” she replied. “Thanks”

I don’t really like being called ‘Natty’ but I guess I can make an exception since she’s kinda in her late ag---you know what I mean.

I walked my way to the bus stop. Feeling the cool breeze brush against my hair. I’m glad I brought my coat with me today. The weather forecast was right.

“Hey Natalie! On your way home?”

I came from my senses to see who called out for me. It’s Elise, a friend. I greeted her with a smile and waved my hand. She greeted me back with her full-lipped smile and heart-shaped face. She has auburn hair matched with her sparkly brown eyes and a fair-skin.   

“Yeah, I’m heading to the bus stop actually.”

“Oh, come on. Hop in. I’ll give you a ride till next stop.”

Elise lives in the next town so I accepted her offer because I was worried the last bus may have passed by already.

“Hey thanks again El” I said. “Nah it’s nothing” she replied with a dashing smile. She’s clearly blissful.

I’m happy for her. Getting settled down with the love of her life. Yes, she is already married and her husband is the one driving this vehicle.

I was so lost in my thoughts, just then my eyes went wide as the bus passed by in front of us. “Oh no,” I cussed. “Honey, step on it! That’s the last bus!” Elise exclaimed to her husband. The car swooshes through the road trying to catch up with the bus.

I really should’ve waited back there. How am I supposed to get home? I just really hope we can make it.

But then again, there’s traffic ahead. Oh sweet, how can it get worse?

I continue to make predictions of how can this get any worse as I was constantly tapping my feet. Finally, the car moved again bringing me back from my sinking thoughts. We were getting near at the bus terminal but we decided to better drop me off to the bus exit. To my unexplainable relief, the bus was kind of stuck in that intersection because of a car blocking the way. I immediately thanked my friend for the help and dashed so fast than I ever dashed in my life. I got on the bus and swiped my card as I was still trying to catch my breath.

“Phew, sweet.” Thankfully, I’m finally going home. I chose a seat not far from the bus door and by the window. I was starting to relax when the bus moved again but went in the wrong direction. The direction where I already came from. ‘Shh...weet sugar candy! This is the wrong direction! ’ I cussed.

Oh! Maybe it’ll go back to the bus station. It’ll be fine Natalie. Everything’s gonna be fine. You are going home. You checked the sign of the bus, right? Right? Right…

Then it came to me. No. I didn’t. I was so distracted earlier I didn’t have the luxury to think of bus signs. I try to keep my composure as I observe where the bus is heading but still no sign of the bus changing its direction. The bus really is heading the wrong way. What am I gonna do? It’ll be so humiliating if I ask the driver to stop where this is the place I got on. “Ugh, I’m so stupid.” The bus is getting further and further and I have to make a choice.

Screw it. Whatever they think of me, I don’t care. I have to go home.

“Uhhh… sir? This… is… my stop.” The bus stopped with all eyes on me as I brought myself my humiliation. I just want to disappear into thin air and be carried away by the wind. This is the worst day of my life. I make my way out just then the bus driver called out for me.

“Ma’am, you forgot something”

“What now?” I replied as I turned back and glared at him.

“Your card. You forgot to swipe it.”

“Oh. Right.”

Oh please. Can I get something right even for just a few minutes? How can I do this so perfectly wrong in all places? I turned around to swipe my card but something caught my attention. Sea green eyes met mine that got my world hold still. It’s like everything went blank. Then I shook it off. I already have a boyfriend. Let’s not be greedy. But geez, I wish my man had eyes like those. I could dive in it for eternity. Too bad he wears facemask. I wonder what he looks like.

“Ma’am? This is your stop, right?”

Bringing me back to reality, I noticed not so good looks from the passenger’s seats. Right… I’m the total clown in this room. Gotta go now and save some face if I ever have one left. I left the bus devastated. My bus must’ve already left the station by now. What am I gonna do?

Think Natalie, think. 

Then it hit me. Right! 

I have a boyfriend!

*Phone rings*

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Please answer this call.

Please.