It's 8 a.m.
The morning sun hangs high up and shines bright in the sky. Its rays stretch far off all over the horizontal of New York City. The roads are filled with vehicles of all kinds; cars, buses, vans, trucks, and even bicycles. The zebra crossing is filled with people hurrying to get across the road, probably off to walk or some place important. The sidewalks are crowded and buzzing with info, be it chats, gossip, or simply a secret whisper to a friend or loved one.
The hanging billboards stuck to buildings, flyovers, and bus stops at all strategic points come to life, all with the sole aim of drawing the attention of people. The city of New York is up and running for the new day.
I make my way down the busy streets, my eyes sharp and determined, my heart hopeful. I look around town. Cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and even supermarkets. But apparently, none of them had any job openings. I know... some of you might be thinking, why isn't she applying for a job at some firms? Probably big, high-paying ones?
Well, remember, I haven't finished college yet, and sadly, no firm employs anyone without working experience or some sort of certification or qualification. A person needs to have at least a degree or diploma even without work experience before looking for a white collar job. And some people just use connections they have to get whatever position they want.
Unfortunately, I don't have a degree or any kind of connection. I didn't even get to finish college. I'm not blaming anyone. No one else is to blame for this. I am responsible for everything. But just because I wasn't able to finish college, graduate with a diploma and a degree, then work in some fancy high-paying office doesn't mean that I shouldn't man up (or woman up) to my mistakes, take responsibility for my actions and protect this beautiful growing angel in my tummy. I'll do my very best to keep my little boy safe and happy.
At 6:35 p.m., I hail a taxi and head home. On my way home, I stopped by the supermarket to shop for groceries and some other essentials. Today wasn't as fruitful as I had hoped, but I'm not giving up! I can't afford to anyway. I'll just have to look harder tomorrow. I'll wake up much earlier tomorrow and start the job hunt.
The taxi stops right in front of my apartment building. I handed the driver the fare with a little tip before getting out of the vehicle. As soon as I alight the cab, it zooms off, probably off to get more passengers, or he goes home to retire for the day's work.
I walk into the apartment building and begin my journey up the long flight of stairs. You didn't think the apartment had elevators, now, did you? Yes, the apartment might be cosy and comfortable, but it's still cheap! I'm not complaining, though it's still better than my old apartment minus the stairs– my worst enemy.
Once I'm up the stairs, standing right in front of my apartment door, I pull out my keys from my jacket pocket and unlock the door. I step inside, shutting the door behind me with a soft click. I quickly pull off my shoes and place them neatly not too far from the door. I drop my keys on the small table in the living room and walk over to the couch and collapse onto it. I let out an exhausted sigh.
"I'm so tired..."
Yeah, like really exhausted. I walked around town so much today that my legs hurt badly. I raise my sore legs onto the couch and rub them gently, trying to relieve myself of some of the pain I'm feeling right now. After gently massaging my feet, I lay on the couch and closed my eyes just to enjoy some peace and quiet for a while, almost drifting off to sleep. My phone rings, snapping me awake. I take out my phone from my jacket's inner pocket and look at the caller's ID. It's an unknown number. My heart stops for a moment before beating rapidly in my chest out of fear. I think it's Vincent. My hands tremble as I hesitate to pick up the phone. I reluctantly click the accept button and raise the phone to my ear.
"H-Hello?" I say, my voice shaking slightly.
"Hello, Miss Ozumba! Hi, it's me, Dr. Martinez. Your gynaecologist." The familiar voice of the doctor came through the other end of the line.
I let out a breath of relief. My heart rate slows down, and my voice becomes composed again. "Hello, doctor."
"I'm calling because you were supposed to come to the clinic today for your prenatal check-ups, but you didn't show up." He says, his voice through the other end of the line sounds genuinely concerned.
"Oh, right! I moved, that's why I wasn't able to come today. I'm sorry for not informing you and making you worry, Doctor."
"No, it's alright. I'm just glad that you're fine, Miss Ozumba."
"Thank you for your concern, Doctor."
He hums in response. "Since you'll not be able to attend prenatal check-ups here, why don't you do it over there where you're currently living? I could help you find clinics around where you're staying, if you would like? But that's if you're okay with it, that is."
"It's okay. I'll find one by myself. Thank you for the offer, though I really appreciate it."
He chuckles softly. "Alright. I'll let you be now then. It's getting late."
I hum in response. "Hm. Thank you for calling me doctor. You really lifted my mood."
"I'm glad I could help you. Good night, Miss Ozumba. And congratulations on your relocation. I hope things will be much better for you from now on." He says.
I smile even though he can't see it. "Thank you, Doctor. Good night."
The call ends with my heart feeling light. I place my phone on the table and head to the kitchen to cook myself dinner. The day might not have fulfilled my expectations and hopes, but I'm glad and grateful. Tomorrow is another day. A day I gracefully accept with open arms.