Fired (Part one)

I fished through the drawer in the kitchen, looking for the flashlight. I was late for work at Jenny Downs once again. I overslept after having my audition with the Fredricks Fancy representative. I had already been late earlier in the week after my car had a flat tire going to work thanks to some maniac running me off the road.

I was already on my last straws with Gregory, and it wasn’t just me coming in late. He had heard that I was looking for employment elsewhere and wanted to find any reason to get rid of me. I couldn’t let that happen until I knew I had landed a stable job, even if working for him sucked the life out of me. I would instead work for the devil then have to wonder if the possible job for Fredricks Fancy would pay well enough for a roof over my head.

I just needed that flashlight. There was a storm outside, and the world was pitch black.

I wasn’t about to trip in the darkness and risk breaking something. There were quite a few jagged rocks in my driveway that I didn’t want to risk falling on. Where is it already?

“Damnit all.” I shut the drawer and went to grab my coat. I had wasted enough time; I needed to get moving. I had to be at work as soon as possible, or that jerk was going to fire me.  I never thought I was going to race to try and save a job I hated.

After I threw on my coat, I rushed out the door into the pouring rain. I shivered as the droplets ran down my back, forcing me to pull up the hood on my coat. It was still five in the morning and a freezing thirty-seven-degree day. January weather plain sucked. I almost wished the temperature was colder so there would be snow instead of this rain, as everything was just going to freeze over in the next day or so.  Ice. That is just what I need.

I fumbled around in the dark, looking for my vehicle. For once, I wish I had a nice and fancy modern car with an electronic key fob so I wouldn’t have to deal with such issues. As it was, I was still borrowing my neighbors' car after growing out and destroying my old vehicle. I almost had enough cash to purchase a new car, but those dreams would be dashed if I didn’t make it to work on time.

I tripped over some loose stone and ran face-first into the side of one of the windows. I spat the icy water from my mouth as I pushed off the side of the door. “Ugh.” After I stabilized myself, I felt around for the handle on the door and slid the key in, the rain on my hand causing me to shiver. Seconds later, I flung the door open and slid inside.

I immediately hit the ceiling light, and then I started the car up. I spent a few precious seconds holding my hands over the heater, letting the icy touch of death leave my body. I then latched my seat belt, turned on my headlights, and sped out of the driveway.

This was the first time in months that I went over the speed limit. I had been scared to try in the past because the last time I had flipped the car onto some poor man’s lawn. Granted, I was growing out of control, but still, I had never wanted to speed again, but to avoid being fired, I would do anything right now.

Thankfully there didn’t seem to be anyone else on the road right now. The last thing I needed was to pull over or make an emergency stop thanks to someone cutting me off or slipping because of the bad conditions. As it was, I was having a hard time controlling my vehicle. Still, I made it to the mall safe and sound even if a good fifteen minutes late.

I dashed out of the car, forgetting to lock it. I had to double back and slide once more into the side of the icy cold shell just to make sure no one would run off with my ride. The last thing I needed was the nice old man who lived down the street from me, angry at me.

I then hurried inside. I waved to the elderly security guard as I ran by; he was too concerned with his phone to wave back. The mall was starting to come alive with the many shops opening up for the day. It would still be another hour until the public began to make their way inside. Usually, I had to stock the shelves at this time of day before any customers arrived.

I ran up the escalator to the second floor of the mall. I hated how I had to travel up and then back down to get to where I worked.  Who designed this place?  As I passed Jerry’s Snack Shack, a hand gripped my arm and pulled me to the side. “What the hell?” I turned to see Matt’s angry face staring back at me.

“You have some explaining to do.”

I tried to pull away from him. “I have someplace to be right now.”

“Not until you tell me why you ruined my house.”

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know. Who else but you could grow large enough to tear into my home?”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Look. If I had wanted to, ahem, crush you or your property, I would have done it when I had the chance before. I don’t want anything to do with you, even if you ruined my chance at a new job with Wrap Happy.”

“Look, you admit it. You have the motive. I should call the police.”

I pulled my arm away. “Don’t push things. I am angry at you for making me inflate like a human balloon, but I wouldn’t destroy your house. Why would I do that when I have a crazy company putting me in their commercials? Use that little pea brain of yours.”

“I am still going to sue you for this.”

I turned away from him. Arguing was only going to get me in more hot water with Gregory; besides, it was clear that Matt had lost a screw or two. I was glad I had dumped him. I ran off with him cursing my name behind me.

I made my way to the second escalator, only to have to wait on a young lady who wanted to ride the confounded thing all the way to the bottom. I tapped my feet as I slowly descended, and the moment I could, I dashed for the Jenny Downs entrance, almost knocking the young woman I had been behind off her feet. I turned my head and said, “Sorry, I am in a bit of a rush.”

She narrowed her eyes at me and gave me the finger.

Nice lady.

Finally, I had arrived at work, a whole twenty-five minutes late. I came to a screeching halt as I entered the store as I knew Gregory would love to catch me running into work.

I had to play this off as if I had been here the whole time, and he just hadn’t seen me working away stocking shelves. But to do that, I had to find Carien first. She would help me.

I ducked behind a rack of clothing as Gregory stepped into view. “Where are Sarah and Renolds? They are both late.”

I am not the only one late? Good. Maybe I can avoid being fired as I can get that dumb fool to focus on Renolds.

Slowly, I snuck my way towards the employee lounge, where I expected Carien to be taking her early morning break. She was as lazy as me, and I knew she would already be trying to squeeze every minute she could out of work. I tiptoed, moving slowly from isle to isle, keeping an eye out for my boss. I knew at any moment he could come around a corner and spot me and then pull me into his office only to be fired.

After a few minutes, the break room was in my sights.  Almost there.  I reached out for the handle and pushed the door open as I rushed inside. There I saw Carien sitting on the break room couch blissfully listening to some music. Behind her at the coffee maker was Renolds, his arm trembling as he poured himself a cup.  Great. He had the same idea I had.

As I walked over to Carien, my arm began to tremble. I had to hold onto it to make sure my limb would stop shaking. Come on, Sarah, get it together.  A few moments later and the tremors stopped.  That was weird.

Carien took out her earbuds as I approached. “Hey. I was wondering when you would show up.”

I gave her a weary smile. “Hi. Can I ask for your help?”

“Of course.”

“I need you to lie for me and tell Gregory I have been here the whole time stocking something in the back. I don’t want him to try and fire me.”

Renolds walked over. “Oh, and you think it’s a good idea for him to axe me?”

Carien waved her hand dismissively at him. “Go back to your coffee Renolds.”

“Hey, I won’t stand for this. You two are the biggest slackers here. Besides. . .” He pointed his stubby finger at me. “You are some shape-changing freak of nature that should be thrown out of here. Why Gregory keeps you around is a mystery.”

Carien stood up and yelled at him. “Hey, don’t you have some doughnuts or something to raid?”

“Why are you standing up for her? I am in the same position as she is. Help me.”

“Because she is my girlfriend.”

I blushed. We hadn’t exactly talked about if we were dating or not; all we had was that one awkward kiss from a few weeks ago. Still, it was nice that Carien was standing up for me, and truth be told, I didn’t mind hearing the words come out of her mouth. I would let things slide for now, but I would have to have a talk with Carien later about this.

Renolds sighed. “Whatever, but I am going to let Gregory hear about this. I am taking you down with me.” He turned around and headed for the fridge.

Carien turned to me and smiled. “Hey, don’t worry. Everything will be ok.”

I nodded, but I still couldn’t help but feel like something was going to go wrong. My heart was pounding every faster in my chest.  Why am I so stressed? Take some deep breaths. Everything will work out.  As I tried to center my breathing, my chest only beat faster, and my limbs started to ache.

Carien looked at me with concern. “Is everything ok?”

“I just feel very weird.”

“You didn’t have another Fredricks Fancy product, did you?”

“Of course not. Why would I do that when I am trying not to be fired?”

“Then are you sick?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. But even if I am, I have to push through it. I can’t lose this job.”

“Why not? It sucks. We both complain about how much we hate it.”

I took a few deep breaths. “Because I don’t know if the next job I might have lined up will really sustain me or not. I just need time to figure everything out.”

Carien nodded her head. “Ok, then let's make sure you are not fired today then.”

I headed for the door. It was time to lie my ass off. My limbs felt like rubber as I went to the door. I knew that I didn’t want to do this, that saving this worthless job was stupid, but what choice did I have? I had no way of knowing how much income I would make from the Fredricks Fancy gig. It was nice they wanted to pay me, but I needed something more substantial and immediate for the time being.

I opened the break room door to see Gregory waiting on the other side, reaching for the door. “Ah, there you are. Hiding, I see.”

“I was just. . .”

Gregory pushed his way inside. “Save it.” He saw Renolds. “Both of you?”

Renolds dropped his donut. “Crap.”

Gregory went to the door. “I want both of you to report to my office.”

Renolds threw up his arms. “Why me. She is the one that is late.”

“Don’t argue with me. Move it.”

I tried to move, but my limbs wouldn’t respond. My heart kept pounding and pounding.

Gregory looked at me with a sneer. “Didn’t you hear me? To my office.”

Suddenly my neck started expanding outward from my torso; in mere seconds, I hit the ceiling. Gregory looked at me with surprise. “Damnit all. Not more of this nonsense. You are not getting out of getting into my office now, march.”

My neck kept extending outward, and I was forced to coil myself up on the ceiling. “I am having issues right now.”

Gregory grabbed me by my arm. “Then I will drag you into my office myself. Renolds, you are coming as well.”

“Yes, sir.” He said in a defeated voice.

But as Gregory pulled, my feet remained firmly planted where they were. Gregory tried to pull on my arm, but I wouldn’t budge. Something was wrong as my neck continued to grow, which had to be twenty feet in length by now. I hadn’t started this transformation; the last time I had any Fredricks Fancy products was at the audition, which had to be out of my system by now. I had already grown and shrank down due to the product they gave me. Why was I transforming now, and why did it feel so forced compared to any other time before.

My neck stopped growing finally. I started to uncoil my neck, which Gregory reached for and grasped, pulling me to the ground. “Got you.”

My heart continued to race; I could feel that whatever I was going through, it wasn’t over. Gregory pulled on my neck until he got to my head. “Ok, this is how this is going to work. Since you wanted to play this game, we are just going to do this right here.”

Renolds was starting to inch his way towards the door. Gregory lifted his free arm towards him. “Don’t you go anywhere.”

Renolds held up his hands. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

I sighed.  This is turning into a nightmare. I looked around the room suddenly noticed that Carien was missing.  What? So much for her sticking up for me. I guess I really will have to have a talk with her about that girlfriend comment after all.

“Ok, you two, we need to talk about why you have been trying to make me lose money over the last few weeks.”

Renolds was fumbling with his words. “I ugh. I. . .” He ran his hands through his hair. “Oh my god, Sarah is growing scales now.”

I couldn’t twist my head to see, but I could feel my skin hardening. I closed my eyes, the transformation becoming painful.  Why does it hurt? This has never hurt before.  As my scales developed, Gregory lost his grip on my neck, and I broke free, turning my neck to see my entire body turning a scaly green and brown.

Before I could speak to curse at my body's transformation, my head began to tremor. My teeth melded together into long fangs that extended out of my mouth and down my chin.

My hair started to sink into my head next, and soon after, my mouth began to push itself outward. I opened my jaws, which now only had the two fangs, trying to get used to the new sensations.

Renolds cried out from below. “She is turning into some giant snake. I am out of here.”

Gregory blocked him. “I don’t care what is happening to her. None of you are leaving until I am through with you.”

“Hey, man. Just fire me and be done with it. I don’t want to be here anymore, ok.”

“You are not fired, Renolds, not yet. But I am docking your pay.” He turned back to me. “As for you. I have had it. I can’t use this; what are you going to do for me in this state?”

He was waiting for me to answer, but I didn’t have a human mouth to speak with anymore; in fact, I was continuing to transition into a snake. I fell onto the floor, my legs becoming unstable. I looked at my arms, and they were shrinking by the moment. I also had a new problem. I felt some new raw instinct trying to take over. I shook my head, trying to ignore thoughts that were not mine. I had to stay in control here.

Gregory became angry when I did not answer him. “What, can you not even talk anymore? You are useless to me, and I am sick and tired of having to accommodate for you. You are more trouble than you are worth. And even when these weird changes do work in my favor, you try and crush me. You are fired; you hear me. Fired.”

My legs fused together and formed a tail before extending out a few feet. I was now a massive snake. I took a few deep breaths trying to get a sense of it all as Gregory continued to yell his nonsense at me. My body felt so foreign to me now. It was one thing to just have a long extended neck months ago, but now I was a full-fledged snake. And on top of it all, I had to fight to keep still. I don’t’ know if it was instinct or something else, but I felt compelled to slither my way out of here and find food, and I was afraid at what the snake side of my mind thought a meal would be.

Suddenly I felt pressure on my body up near my head. Gregory’s voice filled my head once more. “I am locking you inside here until I can find someone to haul you out of my store.

I don’t want some ugh I don’t even want to describe this, but I don’t want this in my store.”

He put more pressure on me. I could feel the other half of me wanting to coil around him and stop him from trying to hurt me.  I am not in danger. I can stay in here for a little bit. No one is going to hurt me. There is no reason for me to try and hurt anyone.

Renolds stepped forward. “Can I ask you something?”

“What?” Gregory responded in an annoyed tone.

“If I get rid of this problem for you before business hours, will you not dock my pay?”

“What do you mean get rid of her?”

“It.”

“Whatever happened to Sarah is temporary.”

Renolds threw up his hands. “I am not looking to argue. Do you want me to deal with this problem or not?”

“If you can get her out of my store, I will give you a raise. You have a half-hour.” Gregory walked out of the room.

Renolds turned back to me. “I don’t care what everyone else says or thinks. I think you are a freak of nature. I am glad this happed as I can finally deal with you.” He headed for the door. “Don’t go anywhere; I will be back.”

I couldn’t control myself; I tried to lunge at him. But I wasn’t used to my body and wound up twisting myself up. Renolds rolled his eyes and shut the door. I knew he would be back. I knew I had to do something, but I couldn’t give in to my impulses again. What would have had happed if I had caught him? My instincts were telling me to bite his head off. I gave a mental sigh.  I need to be careful before I do something I regret.

I lifted my head, so it rested on the clump of my body. I needed to think of a way out of here before Renolds returned as I wasn’t keen on finding out precisely what he had in store for me. What I would do once I was outside, I didn’t care. I had already lost my job, so there was no need to linger. And as for scaring the people in this mall, well, they had already seen a giant lady show up and squeeze Gregory months before. They should be used to crazy things by now.  Besides, all the media knows is I change in size. No one is going to know I turned into this massive snake. I am going to be alright.

First, though, I had to get used to just slithering around, which was challenging in such a cramped space.  Why couldn’t I just become a regular-sized snake?

Why does everything have to be so awkward with these transformations?

I became frustrated just trying to learn to move in such an enclosed space. The only thing I was able to do right was coil my body or tangle myself up. I needed the door open both to figure out how to use my body and escape.  Ok, I guess I will learn as I go.

I twisted myself, so my head faced the door. I didn’t know how I was going to open it. I knew from smacking my head into the frame that I didn’t have enough strength to knock the door down. I had to get creative. As I stared at the handle, though, I had no idea how to operate the door handle now. I missed my hands already.

Then I had an idea. I had seen in some cartoon where a snake character had opened a door with their tail end. I wasn’t sure the idea would work as it was a cartoon as logic didn’t apply in those worlds. If I went by cartoon standards, when I hit the door, I would have flattened myself and bounced off the door. Still, the plan was worth a shot.

With some effort, I lifted up my tail towards the door. Even then, I was still massive in comparison with the door. Just trying to twist my body around the doorknob was proving to be a frustrating feat. It felt like I was trying to push string through one side of a closed container and outside the other. My body kept slipping off the doorknob without so much as causing the damn thing to twist. If the door had a handle instead of a knob, I would have been home free by now.

Eventually, though, I was able to twist the tip of my tail around the knob. Not wanting to repeat the process, I slowly started to turn the knob, inch by inch. I started to hear a click, and then I had the door opened.

But before I could uncurl myself, the door swung open, sending the back half of my body flying into my face. Renolds was back, a taser in his hands. “I don’t know how you got the door open, and I don’t care. But it is nighty night time.”

Something inside me snapped. I lashed out at Renolds, my will to survive overtaking me. But my clumsy body only twisted itself into a further knot. Renolds, who had shielded himself, lowed his arms and then laughed at me. “Well, that was a bit lackluster.” He then struck me with the taser, and my vision faded into darkness.