CHAPTER 4: Hard Worker Since Childhood

Standing in front of his long mirror, Justin stared at himself as he smoothed his tie and work coat. Monotonous activities every morning that never bore him. Finished with activities in front of the mirror, Justin took one of his luxury watches, then put it on his left hand. Perfect.

Every day Justin works, he never uses the driver, except when he has certain important schedules. Today, he will drive his car like any other normal day. And as usual, Justin greeted Bernard in the morning after he had prepared Justin's car.

"You won't have breakfast?" asked Bernard, seeing Justin who was about to get into his car.

Justin turned his head. "One plate of salad will fill me up, Bernard. I'm off." Justin then said goodbye. Meanwhile, Bernard was still amazed how the man could be full just by eating his salad.

*

The road did not look crowded even though he was now caught in a traffic light which made him wait a long time. While waiting for the traffic light to change, Justin tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. Then, he turned to his right side. For a moment, he frowned when he looked back at someone who looked familiar.

Justin saw a girl who was the same as the last time he saw at the cafe. The girl was riding her bicycle, smiling even though no one greeted her. The girl just smiled and seemed to enjoy the breeze which made the freely flowing brown hair also fly.

Too deep with what he was observing at the curb, Justin didn't even notice that the traffic lights had changed and a car behind him was honking its horn loudly. Justin was startled, then he swiftly started the car, ignoring the girl on the bike beside the road.

Arriving at his stately office after a few minutes' drive, Justin pulled up his car right in front of his company entrance. People can see the board of directors, company employees, along with other subordinates standing in a line to the inside, welcoming their leader.

Justin got out of his car with an aura of charisma that emanated. He adjusted the buttons on his suit so that he looked tidier. With his straight eyes and bold steps, Justin stepped into his company. Then, his secretary welcomed Justin and joined Justin's big steps. While his subordinates one by one bent their bodies 90 degrees as Justin passed them. Of course Justin didn't have to bother looking at them.

"Are all the documents ready?" Justin asked his secretary, without turning his head.

"Yes, sir. The meeting will be held in 2 hours, according to plan. Your coffee is ready in the room as usual." answered his secretary straightforwardly and in detail.

Justin did not respond. As long as his secretary answered and informed him without error, he didn't need to respond to anything anymore.

*

After parking her bicycle behind the shop, as usual, Hannah entered her workplace from the employee-only door. Right after she closed the door, Veronica, her coworker came over and slapped her forehead.

"Gosh, Hannah. You're almost late!" Veronica shows the clock on the watch on her right hand while the other hand is on her hips. "What is the reason this time?" she asked.

"Nothing. I ride my bicycle, so just enjoy the cool air." Hannah replied with a relaxed shrug.

"Geez, you. Get ready." said Veronica.

"aye-aye, Captain!" Hannah showed her attitude like a soldier ready to accept an assignment and then changed her clothes and got ready to work.

Today is the first day the workers start their work. So, Hannah won't be surprised if she has to work extra today, because she can confirm that the cafe where she works is sure to have lots of workers at lunchtime.

Time was running fast, even Hannah didn't realize it was not for the increasing number of workers arriving. It's already lunch time. Hannah won't be taking her time off. This is precisely what Hannah likes. With high spirits, she served one customer to another.

However, when Hannah turned her head over to the cafe door that had just opened, a sign of a new customer arriving, she let out a heavy sigh. It seemed that after this she would only be the waitress of one customer.

Alex smiled happily as soon as he entered the cafe and found Hannah who had turned to him, as if her friend knew when she was coming. Alex waved his hand at Hannah, and seeing that, Hannah immediately approached and led Alex to an empty table.

"You don't intend to change your order, do you?" asked Hannah. Alex shook his head.

"Of course not. It's my favorite food package. And don't forget to tell your boss that I come." replied Alex. Then, Hannah walked into the kitchen to tell the chef Alex's order.

Yes, Hannah had to tell her boss herself when Alex had arrived. That way, Hannah would be temporarily relieved of her duties. Correction. She will be assigned only to accompany Alex, his rich friend, to eat together.

Hannah returned to Alex's table with Alex's usual package. Not to forget, she also brought her own food. If she didn't eat with Alex, alex had said that he would fire him herself, whether Alex was really serious about what he said or not, but that was ridiculous.

"Today is very busy. I'm sure your other workplaces will be no less busy. Are you going to work late again?" asked Alex, after observing the busy customers visiting the cafe.

Still chewing her food, Hannah nodded her head in response to Alex's question. Alex replied with a nod as a sign that he understood it.

"Why? You're going to force me to come home, will you?" Hannah asked after swallowing her food.

Alex smiled to reveal rows of white teeth. "You already know the answer."

Hannah rolled her eyes. "Then just take me to my workplace later. I don't think I'll be able to ride my bike again later. I'll leave it here." Hannah replied, giving an idea.

Alex nodded his head excitedly. "Sure."

While chewing the food, Alex watched Hannah voraciously eat her lunch. Thinking of Hannah who worked so hard compared to herself, it made her remember their school days. Hannah was really a hard worker ever since they attended the same school.

*

FLACHBACK, HANNAH'S PAST

Hannah dashed out of her school building in a hurry while looking at her watch, then cursed a little. While ahe was running, a man shouted her name.

"Hannah! What about your book I borrowed?" exclaimed the man.

Hannah turned her head, walking backwards orderly.

"You take it first, lex! I'm almost late for work!" Hannah shouted.

After that, Hannah turned back to the road and walked over to get her bicycle. Meanwhile Alex, the man who had yelled at her earlier, shook his head at Hannah's rush to put her work more than anything else. In fact, this afternoon she still has to go back to school to take additional lessons.

*

Hannah threw her body languidly onto a table in front of her. Without resting on her hands, Hannah rested her head on the table and let out a tired sigh. Alex who was looking at Hannah from behind only chuckled.

"You're too tired of work. I guarantee you won't focus during class." said Alex as he put his textbook in his bag.

Hannah didn't answer, but Alex could hear Hannah's sigh again which sounded very sluggish.

"Come on, wake up Hannah. I'll take you home." Alex stood up, trying to grab Hannah's hand to get the girl up.

Hannah shook her head weakly. "No. I still have a night shift, Lex."

Alex was taken aback. He could clearly see Hannah who was very tired, but that girl still wanted to continue her night work.

"Hannah, you can't force your tired body. If you push it continuously like this you can get sick." Alex tried to advise, while Hannah put her books in her bag, whether she was listening to Alex or not.

Hannah stood up, carried her backpack, and turned to face Alex with her usual bright smile.

"Precisely if I do it continuously and don't complain, I won't feel tired or get sick, Alex. And besides, have you seen me get sick all this time, hm?"

Alex tried to remember what Hannah had asked. True, Hannah never complained at all and never got sick once. In fact, her working hours are very busy, as well as school hours. Alex shook his head.

Hannah patted Alex's shoulder who was inches taller than her, then smiled.

"See? Don't worry, I just need to rest my head just now, then everything will be back to normal." Hannah replied excitedly.

Alex smiled in response.

"Ah, but, if your offer is still valid, I want you to take me to my workplace tonight. How?" Hannah asked without hesitation. Honestly, she probably wouldn't make it to work on her bicycle under these circumstances. And luckily, she has friends like Alex.

Alex chuckled. "Of course, come on!"