5:00 pm

All the other employees were scrambling for the door to get home to their loved ones, even if just by a second, earlier. Of course, except for those on second shift - we still had at least three more hours until we clock out.

The good side is that we get to avoid rush hours. The bad side is that its not quite safe for women to be out on the streets at that late hour.

Especially for women who have no one to escort or welcome them back to their homes.

So what did the management have to offer for people to accommodate having to be on 'Second Shift'? Simple. They let the staff themselves decide amongst ourselves.

Either way some people have to take the shift or they would be called in for discussion by Human Resources. Either be proactive and take one for the team or be pressured and be labeled as 'not a team player'.

Anyway these shifts are effective only for every half a month. So as to not have people complaining of unfair practice — they rotate the shifts.

Oh my three hours are almost up.

I fix my work table and bid my colleagues goodbye. I should really consider an opportunity with better conditions.

I make my way to the Biometrics to clock out.

Sigh... Why did I agree to the second shift again?

Oh right. I'm the only one without commitments at home. And its my turn on rotation. And night differential is always welcomed.

I wish I had someone I could rant to.

Hey, me! What happened to independence and discipline?

Sigh...Maybe... I'm just tired.

Woosh...

Oh he smells good. . Green hair?

Blink. Blink.

He's wearing one of our uniforms?

What's his name?

"Excuse me?"

"?"

Stoopid mouth! Why did I just call out to him?

"Mmm? Is there something...?

"Oh, sorry. It's just that you're a fresh face."

"I guess I am."

"..."

"Can I go now?"

"Sure. I'm sorry for taking your time."

"Mmm."

Is also handsome and has a sexy voice.

The street is literally empty at this hour. Which makes it scarier: when people walk behind me for more than two blocks; when private cars slow down right beside me; and when motorcyclists race past.

Having my living space 15 minutes away from work gives me a limit on options for modes of transportation. Walk - to save whatever spare I could save, because who knows when I'd need it. Or ride the Public Utility Vehicles that have little to no passengers on.

I think I'll just walk.

Beep. Beep.

I turn my head around to see which jerk would honk at a bystander.

"Are you waiting for someone?"

!

I was so surprised to know that the mystery jerk was Mr. Green that I did not immediately register his words.

"Ahem. Do you need a ride?"

"I live nearby."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Take care, then."

Vroom.

Damn! I still did not get his name.

But why was he behind me when he was the one to leave first?

What is supposed to only take 15 minutes took half an hour because of idle thoughts, And strays - did I mention I'm afraid of those?

Seeing as when I opened our gate the landlady was still awake I greeted a good evening.

I walked upstairs to my door and checked for any mails along the way. I also had to make sure that my 'friendly neighbors' did not leave me any surprises.

I opened my door and sighed. There was no food on the table. Of course. This made me want to just lie in bed and sleep. Living alone has its perks and this is not one of them.

After fixing myself a simple dinner. I washed the dishes, obviously no one else will, and head to the bathroom for a nice cool shower.

A night routine helps keep my mind off stress accumulated from work and helps in relieving tension from all the sitting done at the office.

Ooommmppphh.

Ahhhh! Soft bed.

And the last thing that ran through my mind was a head of green hair before dozing off to sleep.