Killing Time

This is probably the 4th blog I started. Wait, that’s 5th. No, it’s 4th, I’m sure. I started one under the name Love_For_Rent to document my internet dating misadventures but chickened out before the first date when my personal ad in match.com resulted in 52 marriage proposals (yes, thank you to the infamous white top photo).The 2nd one was for the Mr Children’s tribute website, which I had selfishly converted into a bulletion board to advertise my musical forays. Hah. The 3rd one was titled Ilhamrasa, that serves as a place for me to write when I am feeling a bit dark and irritable.

And yes, this is the 4th one. See, I knew I learned something useful in school.

Last night I was locked in the office. It wasn’t so scary as it was funny. When I started this new job, I was told in no uncertain terms that quitting time is at 6pm and work is no no over the weekends. I should be jumping in joy, right? After all, one of the reasons I took this job at the first place is to have some normalcy in my life.

So, the first month I did very well. By 7pm or 8pm I would be wandering aimlessly in Amcorp Mall or MidValley trying to find something to do or to see. Most of the time I’d end up reading a book in a coffeeshop somewhere or trying ridiculously high-heeled shoes of different colors and styles. I suddenly become socially available for late nights out at mamak stalls. It was great. Never missed a single episode of CSI or CSI:Miami either.

And then, there was yesterday. I was furiously completing a document when I realised it was 8pm. I stood up and peered outside the office. The main floor was silent except for the whirr of the water cooler (yeah, my new place has a water cooler!). I turned off the laptop, packed my MNG handbag with two handphones, a digital camera, my fat cat make-up bag, my wallet and coin purse, house keys, card holder, chewing gum and GameBoy Advance and made my way to the staircase.

As I was turning off the lights, I noticed that the main lobby downstairs was pitch dark. So, I left the lights on the staircase on and proceded cautiously. When I reached the lobby, I knew what I already suspected. They’ve locked me in. At 8pm. In Amcorp Tower. All alone. And the person who has the keys lives all the way down in Klang.

I went to the side door and flashed my electronic key at the card reader three times, hoping it will trigger an alarm and the adminsitrative people will be notified that someone is still in the building. I waited for the beep. And waited. And waited. Nothing. The alarm was not even activated. Did they leave the office in a hurry or what?

Someone outside waved at me. There stood this elderly gentleman, looking at me and realising I was trapped. He came to the glass door. Slide your card out, he said. Maybe I can open it from outside. I slid the card from under the glass door and told him my passcode. He tried several times. Nada. Sorry, he said. Maybe you should call someone.

I went to the reception and ruffled the papers to find the office directory. Called person A. No answer. Person B. No answer. Person C. No answer. I called 3 more people and none picked up the phone. What? Do these people refuse to pick up the phone outside office hours? Person #6 finally anwered. Alamak, I am in Ampang, he exclaimed. I can be there  but only at 10pm. Try Person A, he suggested, she’s living nearest to the office.

But she’s not answering, I whined. He said, okay, try this other person (let’s call him person #7.) I did, I said. He is in Klang. It will take him even longer to reach me. Then, I sat down and typed a furious SMS to all 7 of them explaining my predicament. I cannot miss CSI, I emphasised. This week the new boss Conrad Ecklie is breaking up Grissom’s team.

A friend sent me an SMS. Remember the Grudge? he asked. That scene with the girl in the elevator? Scary isn’t it? Building just like yours. I told him thanks, your sympathy is gut-wrenching.

5 minutes later the rescue team was alerted. What?! You are locked in? We’ll make some calls to make sure someone comes in and opens the door. You have your GameBoy right? That should keep you occupied.

Another friend suggested, try online porn for entertainment. Can’t say I wasn’t tempted.

At 9.26pm finally the back-up key came. The lady was apologetic. I was apologetic too. We both laughed. I felt bad. She had to drive all the way from SS2 and she’s no spring chicken. Must buy her lunch someday.

Shame on me for wanting to work late.

And to think that in the previous job, going home at 8pm was a luxury. Live and learn, baby.

Just live and learn.

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