How Come

Nurul POV

Habitually, she washed her hands after finishing her work the next day, looking at the mirror fixing her tilted black bawal hijab that she did not know was neglected. She also faced herself giving the confidence to be verve until the end although her enthusiasm was a bit weak. She needs this to hide her vulnerable side which people could use to make fun of her. She becomes sensitive and reserved when it comes to people who tease her personality that either she rarely shows or could accidentally do it. 'You can adapt and cope with this new environment, Nurul. Focus on your purpose. Don't hear what the simple-minded said'

She then walked leisurely back to her father's office while looking around. She does not know why she always did that but it was pleasing for her. She never stepped in a factory even once but since this job was, she felt a tad delighted when she had time to do it. And finally reached before the office, sighing why negative vibes linger in her mind out of the blue every single day. Giving rise mood swings to dear self. She twisted the knob opening the door and saw her father did not finish working yet so she decided to stroll outside the office and fain as there were not many people in her surroundings. Her father already told her this forenoon he has to do his work and will be lateish.

Most of the workers starting to leave and only some overtime workers were left here. Abruptly, one male worker appeared at her rear. She was slightly shocked thus moved to the toilet, pretending she did not see him. She had time to glance at him and his face was bright like seeing an angel. Not wanting to hear him talking or confessing whatever he has, his reasoning, and she only has one place in her psyche to hide. Avoiding? Yes, the right word to describe what she did just now. She got distracted by her feelings regarding his confession yesterday. Mixed up with stress, pangs and reminiscent of great rendezvous.

She felt relief after less than a quarter of minutes of idling. Without thinking much, she then washed her hands with liquid soap and perceived her hands got brains, moving by themselves or it was just her habit and at the same time a shade -- peculiar even she did not touch anything or throw egesta. "Wait, just how many times do you wanna wash your hands?" She muttered to herself and made a frown. She peeked behind the toilet door to the right and left afterwards to make sure no one saw what she did just now. Countenance became crimson red but shrugged her shoulders as she assuming no one saw it. She changed her expression to a serious one as she heard steps close by and noticed a worker got out from a cubicle in the middle. She treading back to the office not long after while internally praying, hoping he was already back home. Was he?

Her peepers were maundering and body dancing a little when she was confident enough there was no one before and behind until she reached in front of the office. She nearly twisted the knob but the male worker earlier beat her to it. She sensed a presence nearby and it turns out he was upright next to her. His eyeballs were fixedly at her but she averted her peepers, pronto in panic. Was he there all this time? What is he doing here now? Not again.

"Sh*t! Why I met him here as well?!! Better I proceed before he begins to speak. But dad, help me" She whispered with a grotesque front.

______________________________________________________

She chuckled after reading Aifaa and Dee's messages in their group chat. They were quarrelling over who is the most good looking idol in the group for nothing. Plus, she just got time to read their chat including the others as she was busy with work. And now, it is time to gossip with this baby brat and tomboy. The exchanging gossip begin.

Lub dub! Lub dub!

Nurul: Guys, you wanna know hot gossip for today?

Aifaa: Quick! I can't wait!

Dee: Woo, seems interesting.

Nurul: I met Zambri yesterday at my workplace. He works in the same department as me. I was shocked when he appeared in front of me so sudden tho.

Aifaa: Oh, really??! Are you following him, huh? Jkjk.

Nurul: What for? I work with my father la. Hahahahah.

Aifaa: You're working already? Where? How come I didn't know?

Dee: Are you completely healed?

Nurul: I know you're worried about me but I don't wanna stay at home anymore. Boring la. I work at an automotive factory and yesterday was my 1st day. I almost healed too. Thank you for your concern.

Aifaa: Take care of your health. Don't forget to eat and be healthy. You are way too thin now.

Dee: Take a good care of yourself and stay healthy.

Nurul: I will. Don't worry guys. I didn't finish my story yet, btw.

Dee: Ah, so what happens next?

Aifaa: Ya Allah, I thought you're done gossiping. Hahaha.

Dee: You asked her tons of questions, brat!

Aifaa: Oh, me? Hehe sorry, Nurul.

Nurul: Nay! Yet @AifaaTheBrat.

Nurul: He suddenly wanna talk to me. I was contemplating at 1st, however, I accepted it. Hahahaha, I don't know it was him tho bcs he wore a mask. He confessed he likes me and Idk what to do weh after. I was surprised + I can't hold my bladder somehow so I excused myself. He was familiar too when I glimpsed at him with his eyes and that tall height.

Aifaa: Ah... but don't trust him easily. He's troublesome and roguish just like Badri. You know them, right?

Nurul: Yeah, I know. I didn't agree to be in a romantic relationship with him. Yet. Mixed sentiments la.

Aifaa: If he plays with your feelings, he's going to be a dead meat. But you guys look like a sweet couple tho. What if he's your mate? Oh, oh!

Dee: Well, just pray for her la. Wish he serves you better after this.

Nurul: What are guys talking about? Don't make me curse. And I didn't even make any decisions yet, okay. YET. Fullstop.

Aifaa: Who knows, right Dee? Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle peewitttttt(catcalling)

Dee: Yup, Aifaa is right. Btw guys, I have to go now.

Aifaa: Go where?

Nurul: Ya Allah, I nearly got a mental breakdown treating you guys. Heh. Ala(whining), where to?

Dee: I have a night shift today so bye. Assalamualaikum.

Aifaa: Aw, so early? Goodbye anyway. Take care weh! Waalaikummussalam.

Nurul: See you when I see you. Happy working! Waalaikummussalam.

Aifaa: I have gossip to boot...

Nurul: About who? Ha! Badri, eh?

Aifaa: Yeah, Badri. Same situation like you but a shade scary.

Nurul: Scary? Why? Something horrible happens?

Aifaa: He's nowhere to be found and all of a sudden resigned.

Nurul: Whut??! Really??? Why did he resign?

Aifaa: No one knows why. He didn't tell anybody.

Nurul: Woo, weird. Maybe his parent is sick? Or he found a better job, I guess?

She stopped typing for a while and looking for her glass on the table near the bed, swallowed water to wet her throat. She put the glass back on the desk and does several exercises thereupon to lessen her body ache. She just discerned she sat for so long on the firm chair with a bend sitting position. Bad position, awful routine, a no-no. Be thoughtful of the spinal column for future use. But then, "Ah, so good. But what's wrong with Badri though? I bet these two arguings when their encounter clashing together" She mumbled and eyebrows knitted. She clasped her phone and carried on gossiping further with Aifaa.

Aifaa: He picked a fight with me days ago before he resigns. So, I guess maybe you're right. It's peaceful after he left. Alhamdulillah, feel blessed.

Nurul: Are you sure? You're not missing him? Huh? Frankly saying, you guys look like an old married couple.

Aifaa: I WILL NEVER! I DON'T LIKE HIM! ARE YOU INSANE?

There was an eerie silence all over her room and the other rooms were also peaceful and quiet. Frogs with their ribbit sound and crickets with their krik krik sound were the only things audible in her ears at the moment. Dogs also barking not long after sent a shiver down her spine. Spooky. Creepy. Hair-raising. 'Why now, dogs? Why? It's tranquil just now. Why are you spoiling my moment?' She closed her peepers while managing herself to subdue. "ānjìng(quiet) please! Go away! Make noise somewhere else, can ah?" She initiated a word in mandarin unexpectedly and lowered her voice in a whisper. Uneasy's effect got out.

She shortly switched off her phone and charged it. Not wanting to experience horrific stuff again, no more. The ribbit, krik krik and woof sounds were getting closer and closer. Please, no. She was frightened; accordingly, made up her mind to get her head down no matter what. Not caring if Aifaa is going to be mad because she did not reply to her text back. Being a scaredy-cat does not help her at this point. Gladly, the USB she used for her phone will uncharge by itself when the battery is already full thus she did not worry about it. She did not, anyhow. She slumbered after a few minutes of shutting her eyes deeply. Going nowhere, come what may.