Main content

The Office Party

By Jacob Harrington-Worrall

The Office Party by Jacob Harrington-Worrall

Read by Helen Clapp from the 大象传媒 Radio Drama Company.

Working at the most prestigious law office in the United Kingdom may seem grand, but it wasn't. Cindy hated her job. She was an evening cleaner, mostly working alone.

The only thing worse was going home to the flat she shared with the two receptionists who thought they were much better than her. They wore smart clothes to work, which Cindy couldn't afford.

Cindy was getting ready for work one evening when she heard her snooty flatmates talking, in hushed tones, about an office party happening the following night. Everyone would be there, including the incredibly handsome senior partner, Mr Prince. It would be the party of the year and all staff were invited! Cindy rushed into the lounge.

"What's this party at work?"

"It's not for cleaning staff," said one.

"Besides, no-one even follows you on Instagram!" Said the other.

Cindy was gutted, but knew they were right. Who would want to hang out with the lowly cleaner?

That evening, Cindy sadly headed off to work, when she met the familliar faced security guard, Freddy, outside the nearby department store, all closed up for the evening.

"What's wrong, Babe?" he said.

"I can't go to the office party tomorrow because I don't have the right look, or the right job." She said.

The flamboyant security guard replied "Don't sweat it. I've got the perfect thing for you. Meet me here this time tomorrow and I'll sort it. You shall go to the ball!"

The next night, Cindy met Freddy at the department store and they crept inside. She tried on a beautiful blue gown, in the most exquisite fabric she'd ever seen. It was perfect. And expensive. Matched with the most stunning designer shoes. She looked a million dollars.

"Oh. My. Days!" Freddy squealed. "You look dazzlin'! Take that dress and help yourself to make-up and perfume. Meet me outside in 10, keep the tags on the clothes and crawl when you go out through the door." And with that, he was gone.

Cindy did as she was told and headed off to the party. On arrival, she imediately noticed Mr Prince, the senior partner. She flirted with him and surprisingly it worked! Mr Prince was besotted and they spent the whole night chatting and busting moves.

Cindy got a snapchat at 11:50pm from Freddy saying that his shift finishes in ten minutes and if that stuff's not back, he'll get locked up. Cindy had no time for goodbyes and in the rush to leave, she dropped her mobile phone.

The next morning, Cindy's flatmates rushed into her room and showed her Mr Prince's latest Tweet;

"Whosever thumbprint unlocks this phone, I shall marry."

Cindy jumped out of bed and ran to the office in her pyjamas. "Here!" she said, holding out her thumb.

The phone unlocked and they lived happily ever after.

Except for Freddy, who was dismissed for repeatedly 'borrowing' clothes from the store. Luckily Cindy knew a good lawyer.

More Stories