MARIA

Mary typed furiously on her computer, "Life just sucks! It sucks!", was all that kept running through her head. She wasn't really focused on what she was typing. Her job promotion exam results had been released a few minutes ago. She'd gone to check it with the confident air of one who'd never failed an exam or had cause to worry about failing; only to be shocked with a score far below par and a transfer to a miserable department: clothing! Nobody wanted to be in clothing. You had to check seams and stitches and some irrelevant stuff. Where she belonged was cosmetics. Right at the top rung of the ladder! She'd hoped her face would be on one of the catalogues someday; the company sometimes featured worthy employees. Now, those dreams seemed far fetched. She was going to Clothing! Her move to that department would take effect as of next week Monday...

Today was Friday anyways; the week was already over. She had to finish up the work she had left in Babies before she could call it a day though. The thought of calling it a day brought a smile to her lips; she still had a reason to smile! Davis! Who had ever been bestowed with such cuteness and sweetness in the entire universe? She never regretted staying with him in spite of all the challenges and headaches over the years. Davis was hers and would forever be hers. They had their date night tonight. It was always an exciting time. He'd go on and on about how his day went and she'd silently sit, savoring the sound of his voice, admiring the cute dimples that appeared occasionally, enjoying his presence and wondering how this awesome package was really all hers... She did have a reason to smile.

"Maria! I'm outta here girl!" A loud cheery voice sang towards her direction. That was Gracia; Mary called her Grace though and she called Mary, Maria. Twas their 'friendship' thing. Grace was a strong woman, she vibrated with energy that could be felt from afar and her voice announced it well. Grace knew she was not in the best of spirits now of course but wouldn't hesitate to burst her bubble of misery and fury.

She raised her head from the computer as Gracia's graceful form appeared at the door of her cubicle. "What's up? Still on the Babies?" Gracia quipped. "You should be set for the Clothies already girl!" Mary only hmmphd, Gracia would have to say something more consoling before she would give a response to her. "Okay, okay... But the Clothies ain't so bad dear. More time on your hands, really and you could always do with some extra cash; You know they get many extras there, and cool clothes for free too!" "Fine! Why not swap with me already?" Mary finally responded, "If you're so excited about it?" "Come on Maria, this is not as bad as you're seeing it, really..." "Grace? You want us to swap? I'm not seeing all the glitz and glamour you're seeing in that department, nobody even does! How come you do?" Gracia shrugged, "I guess it's my optimist talking then. But I need you out of that long face and all I've said is true too." "I'll adjust, I know I will, okay? Don't paint glossy pictures for me though." Mary sulked and offered Gracia a false grin. "This has got you bad, hasn't it? I was on my way out already but seeing you like this makes me concerned so I'm gonna sit here with you a little bit. If you're through in time, we'll grab some ice cream together; how about that?" Now Mary was smiling genuinely, Gracia was one of the biggest sweethearts on earth! She had it all: a vibrant body, personality and attitude. Like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

Few minutes later and Grace was yakking off about her new series of interest... Vanilla. Only the name alone would discourage Mary from going near it but Grace? She freaked for any movie that came in series. "Done!" Mary finally sighed. So it was the 'Clothies' next week? Babies had been a good stop but nothing lasted forever right? Thinking of that, She didn't totally agree with that saying actually. Some things would last forever like she and Davis... "Hey! Gracia! It's my date night with Davis tonight. Can we give that ice cream a rain check?" Maria rolled her eyes as if to say, 'Now, why didn't you tell me earlier!' and let out a groan, 'Urrrgh! Was really craving that ice and wanted to use you as an excuse mehn... You know my diet plan..." She winked and they both burst out laughing. Her diet plan was nonexistent, she always mentioned it and never followed it but still kept in shape. "Let's get out of here babe! Thank God it's Friday!" Gracia gave a little jiggle as she jumped up.

They walked down the street hand in hand. Today's date would be at the Moonlight Park. It was a distance they could both walk. The park had this Moonlight theme that made it somewhere one would always want to be with a loved one. The hard and soft landscape elements were coordinated in such a way as to get the most of the moon lit nights: lights, trees, water, flowers, lawns... All reflected this soft glow that allowed for a time of pleasant companionship. Davis was a thinker and had chosen this place for tonight's date. They would take smoothies and their own special fruit salad mix, talk and just enjoy each other's company. It would be a very relaxing time after the all the bustle and activities of the week. They both needed it greatly.

"...I have a question." Davis squeezed her hand. He'd been talking all along but she hadn't been listening. She searched her mind. Davis' questions were never small deals. What was coming now? "My love, you want us to start the talking now? Thought we would do that after we've taken our smoothies and are watching the fountain..." "It's a pressing question..." His last word was lost in the wind as suddenly, out of nowhere, a very huge bird swooped in and picked Davis up! It was surreal, she blinked twice to be sure she was really seeing well... The bird was flying away with him in it's beak... She screamed and woke up with a start.

She looked around. It was dark outside. She tapped her phone screen twice and the display came on. 4:12am. Gosh! She had a terrible headache, a test in a few hours time and hangover from last night's party. She blinked again. That dream had been so real. Gracia... Davis... Clothies... And a big Bird that picked humans? What on earth! Was she going insane? Bimpe would have a good laugh over this one. She always had strange dreams after a night of partying hard. Davis... The name came to her mind again. Wow. She was a white girl and had a loved one named Davis. An overwhelming feeling came over her. Davis was in trouble. He really needed her help. But in what world did birds so big they could carry humans exist? She started hearing a song playing, it sounded vaguely familiar, where was it coming from? She made an attempt to get up and check but her head felt like ten times it's size. Only for her to drop back on her bed and see that it was her phone ringing. Jeez! When did she change her ringtone to that song? She looked at the screen to check the caller: DAVIS... Her mouth dropped open... Davis???