Beneath the surfaces

Ugh!! Why won't this stupid alarm stop ringing!'' Ariana groaned as she covered her head with two pillows. Her alarm clock hasn't gone off for the past five minutes and it was pissing her off.''Gosh, I need my beauty sleep''she yawned reaching her hand for the alarm clock which was on a small cupboard by the left side of her bed to put it off.

''ARIANA!! Don't you think it's time to get out of that bed?'' Shouted a woman a seventy-year-old woman named Alice

''You should get out of that bed if you don't want to be late for work'' she added.

''Grandma, I want more sleep!!'' Ariana groaned tossing and turning on the bed.

''Fine...it's your job. Do whatever you want'' Alice shrugged.

Alice wasn't Ariana's biological grandmother. In fact Ariana doesn't know who are biological parents are.Alice picked her up on the street wrapped in a blanket and laid on the floor 17 years ago. She was just four months old when she was picked up. Alice decided to raise the poor baby and named her Ariana.She lied to Ariana telling her that her parents lost their lives in a car crash so she had to take her in.

''Grandma, could you prepare a simple breakfast for me'' Ariana shouted from her room.

''Come downstairs and prepare it yourself'' Her Grandma replied with a small smirk.She hummed softly as she stirred her cup of coffee.Ariana and her grandmother lived in a very small house.They were poor so Ariana had to combine school and part time jobs to support her grandmother and make ends meet.

Ariana who was still tossing on her bed glanced at the wall clock and gasped immediately.

'' Oh my God...I'm fucking late!'' she shrieked jumping out of bed and grabbing her towel.

''Shit! Mr.Geoffrey will kill me for coming late the fourth time this week'' she groaned taking her pajamas off at a fast speed. She threw them at different corners of the room and bolted to the bathroom.

Ariana turned on the knob of the shower but no water came out.

''What's going on?'' She asked turning the knob aggressively, tapping her right feet repeatedly. It finally dawned on her that there was no water. She leaned her back on the wall of the bathroom in despair brushing her hair backwards with her right hand.

She opened the bathroom door pissed to find her grandma with two pails filled with water beside her.

''I figured out the water in the bathroom wasn't coming out so I fetched this from the tap aside so you wouldn't waste more time'' Alice spoke, placing her left had on her waist.

''Oh Grandma! You are such a life saver!'' Ariana replied happily grabbing the pails, transferring them to the bathroom.

''Whatever.'' Her grandmother replied rolling her eyes.

''You better hurry up. You are pretty late. I've also made sandwiches for you to pack'' she continued

''I thought you said I should prepare it myself'' Ariana smiled sheepishly teasing her grandma.

''I changed my mind.''Alice frowned.

''You still have time to chat with me...uh?? ''

"Stinky brat"

''You better make your bath quick or your boss might fire you this time Alice scolded Ariana while walking out of her room and closing the door behind her.

Ariana brushed her teeth and took her bath as fast as she could.She rushed out of the bathroom, cleaned her self with a towel, flung it aside not minding the direction it went to.She began to search for her clothes hastily.

''What do I wear?...What do I wear?'' Ariana mumbled repeatedly throwing clothes in different direction of her room.She finally selected a faded baggy jeans with a white top and a baggy Jean jacket. She threw them on quickly and put on her worn-out white canvas.She didn't bother to do anything about her hair.She just wiped it dry with a towel and threw a white cap over head.

She grabbed her Tote bag from the door knob, threw in the important things she needed and dashed out of her room.

''Easy..Easy'' Her grandma cautioned as she sighted her running down the stairs at full speed.

Ariana grabbed her packaged sandwich from the small table in the kitchen, kissed her grandmother on the check and ran out through the back door.

''Good bye Grandma!'' She shouted as she hoped on her bicycle and sped off.As she rode, she found it hard to answer to greetings of people in the neighbourhood due to her time. After 15 minutes of riding,she reached the restaurant where she worked as a waitress.She got down from the bike, parked it and peeped through the window.

''How come there are so much people already?'' Ariana lamented looking through the glass window.Unknown to her, her boss Mr.Geoffrey already sighted her looking through the window. He scoffed in annoyance crossing his arms.

Ariana walked to the back door of the restaurant trying to sneak into the kitchen.She tiptoed to the other side of the kitchen but unfortunate for her, she bumped into her boss while tiptoeing.

She looked up slowly to meet an angry expression on her boss's face.Ariana gave a sheepish smile in return and ran past her boss.

''Rodriguez!! We aren't done talking'' Mr.Geoffrey yelled turning to the direction she ran swiftly.

''We were never talking!'' Ariana answered as she ran.

'' Gosh why am I still keeping her'' Mr.Geoffrey sighed face palming himself.

''Girl you are late...again! This is the fourth time this week'' Daya , Ariana's co waitress stated.

''She's always late'' Another waitress Kate scoffed rolling her eyes.

''Mind your freaking business...Bimbo'' Ariana fired with a glare.

''What did you just call me?!!''

''I called you a freaking Bimbo...Bimbo'' Ariana replied with a smirk.

''How dare you!!!'' Kate fumed tightening her fist.

''Guys...this is not the time for this'' Daya cautioned.

''We have a lot of customers today, we shouldn't be doing this. And Ariana...you just got in. It's too early to start causing trouble.''

''Whatever'' Ariana replied rolling her eyes.

''Just tell this bimbo to stop meddling in my business.''

''For Pete's sake Ariana stop calling Kate a bimbo'' Daya scolded.

''Go in...change your clothes then come take this order'' Ordered Daya.

''Mr.Geoffrey mustn't walk in here and meet you like this.''

''And Kate, stop interfering in Ariana's business. You know she hates it when you do'' Daya continued. Kate murmured something to herself in response and walked out of the kitchen. Ariana glared at her hard as she walked out and headed for the changing room

Here is your order Sir'' Ariana spoke placing a tray of Grilled salmon, vegetable lasagna and Ice tea in front of the customer.He stared at Ariana with lust as she arranged his meal on the table.As Ariana walked away, the customer placed his right hand on her ass. Ariana's eyes widened as she turned swiftly.

''Are you fucking crazy?!! Ariana yelled giving the customer a resounding slap. The customer's eyes widened in disbelief. The other customers turned to them as a result of the noise.

''How dare you slap me?!'' The customer growled. Ariana landed him another slap causing everyone watching to gasp. Mr.Geoffrey who was walking by witness the slap scene and ran to the customers seat.

''Rodriguez are you nuts?!!'' Mr.Geoffrey roared with rage.

''Do you have any idea who you just slapped?? He's the son of the freaking mayor!''

''I don't care if he's the son of the president'' Ariana snarled in response.

''How are you going to take responsibility for this mess??'' Mr.Geoffrey demanded pointing his finger furiously at Ariana.

''By giving this bastard two more slaps'' she replied. Mr.Geoffrey placed his palm on his forehead and sighed.

''You know what Rodriguez? You are fired. You aren't fit for this job at all.

''What!!'' Ariana exclaimed in horror.Different thoughts ran through her mind.

''How is she going to meet up with the needs of the house with one less job'' she thought to herself.

''Are you deaf Rodriguez??'' Mr.Geoffrey shouted snapping Ariana out of her thought.

''You can't fire me!!''

''That's not fair.I'm not the one at fault here,this bastard is!!''

''I don't ever wanna see this bitch at this restaurant or else I'll close it down'' The mayor's son threatened glaring daggers at Ariana.

''How dare a mere thing like her slap me'' he thought to himself.

''Ariana you heard me...pack your things and leave...NOW!!'' Mr.Geoffrey ordered furiously signalling with his hands.The other customers were already whispering among themselves.

''She really has the nerve to slap the Mayor's son'' a female customer stated.

''Tell me about it'' another customer replied shaking her head.

''So this is what you are going to do if someone grabbed your daughter's ass out of nowhere while helping out at the restaurant uh'' Ariana spat with anger. The customers in the restaurant let out another gasp again. Mr.Geoffrey's eyes widened as he turned to the mayor's son who scoffed and rolled his eyes.

''He totally deserves the slaps'' whispered a customer.

''B-But y... you should h-have said that first'' Mr Geoffrey stammered scratching the back of his head. Ariana scoffed placing her hands on her waist.

''We can find a way to fix this'' He continued glancing back and forth between Ariana and the mayor's son,trying to gauge their reaction.

''I said I want her fired!!'' The mayor son growled tightening his fists.

''You are still talking?!'' Ariana sneered with gritted teeth.

''You had the right to slap the me!!'' The mayor's son thundered banging his fist on the table.

''You had the right to slap my freaking ass!!'' Ariana fired back trembling with rage. The atmosphere was already thick with a mix of excitement and tension, the normal rhythm of the restaurant shattered by the unexpected altercation.

Mr Geoffrey stood between them trying to interfere but words could not be formed from his mouth.

The Mayor's son turned to Mr Geoffrey sharply.

''Are you fucking deaf?!!''

''Fucking fire her!! I don't want to keep staring at her. She should leave... now'' he yelled pointing at the entrance door.

Ariana had already had enough. In a fit of rage,she grabbed the plate of vegetable lasagna and grilled salmon and smashed it on the face of the Mayor's son,leaving him stunned. This action elicited another gasp from the watching customers. Mr.Geoffrey eyes widened in utter shock.

''ARIANAA!!!''

The co workers who were in the kitchen started to whisper among one another.

''She's so leaving this place today.'' Kate laughed with a smug.

''Oh...I forgot the drink''Ariana smirked mischievously. She grabbed the ice tea and poured it over the mayor's son. He screamed looking at his messed up outfit.

''You know how much this cost??'' He yelled glaring at her.

''Go by another one, Richie rich brat" Ariana spat furiously.

''OK then'' Smiled the mayor's son slyly.

''He isn't gonna do anything about that!!'' A customer commented softly with utter disbelief.

The mayor's son took out his phone and dialled a number.

''Hey, I want you to come here right now.I'll send you my location. There's a restaurant here that is unfit to be in business.

''Oh my goodness!''Daya gasped loudly from the kitchen.

''Excuse me Sir, please don't do this to me'' Mr.Geoffrey pleaded profusely almost on his knees.Ariana just scoffed and rolled her eyes. The other workers and even some customers were begging the mayor's son to be lenient.

He's such a narcissist!'' A customer stated really pissed. She stood up picking her bag, ready to leave.

''And where you going to?'' Her husband who sat across to her questioned.

''I'm finna go pay for the food and get going''.

''Staying here for another minute makes me more furious... Come on, let's go.''

''Is you kidding me right now?'' The husband asked.

''This restaurant is gonna be closed down, I'm very sure of it. And you want me to have just one serving?''

''Bro...they serve good food. Lemme have another plate. This would be the last time anyways.''

''Let's freaking go home Josh. I could cook you some when we get home.''

''Yeah right.'' The husband scoffed rolling his eyes at the mention of her cooking.''

''Ariana...YOU ARE FIRED!'' Mr.Geoffrey declared.

''I won't let you take my source of income.''

''You can't fire me, I did nothing wrong!'' She yelled spreading out her arms.

''And you are just going to believe this mother fucker???, He doesn't even has the power to close down an approved restaurant.'' She continued glaring daggers at the mayor's son who was smirking as everyone was begging him. Mr.Geoffrey sighed and replied.

''We could have handled this situation properly,but you choose to be immature.''

''ME!! IMMATURE!!'' Ariana yelled in disbelief.

''You are such a coward Mr.Geoffrey. You couldn't even defend your employee.'' She spat pointing her fingers at him.

''Doesn't change the fact that you are fired.Pack your things and leave.''

''Of course... I would leave'' She smiled. She walked up to a table, picked the food and drink the customer was having.

''Hey feisty waitress, bring my order back. Don't involve it in your fight!!'' The male customer yelled as she walked to the table the mayor's son sat.

''It's about to go down!'' A customer commented in excitement, rubbing his palms together. As expected, Ariana dumped the food on him.

''Ooh!'' The customers exclaimed in unison.

''Eat that....bastard'' Ariana sneered. She walked away like a badass to her locker to get her things.

''Go girlie!'' A teenage customer cheered quietly as Ariana walked passed her.

''She put her things in her tote back and headed for the entrance.

''Don't forget to wire my wage or I would come here to cause trouble'' She sneered at her ex employer angrily.

''Good riddance.'' Kate smiled smugly watching Ariana walk towards the door. Ariana walked like a baddie with her head up high but all that attitude vanished as she closed the restaurant's door behind her.

''Now I have one less job'' She lamented holding her head in a squat position.

''How am I going to tell this to grandma? I should have just beared the attitude of that good for nothing bastard, but my feisty nature took control of me. She looked through the glass window of the restaurant and sighed heavily.

'' I wish all the bad things in this universe upon you'' she cursed sticking out her middle finger to the mayor's son. He was backing her anyways, so he couldn't see her.

'' And you, Coward Geoffrey... I wish your daughter would be harassed this way and you wouldn't be able to do any thing about it!!''

''Mr. Geoffrey doesn't have a daughter.'' Daya spoke moving close to Ariana. Ariana turned to her and rolled her eyes.

''Well, I wish that upon his son!'' She snarled tightening her fist.

''He doesn't have children Ariana.''

''Ha!'' Ariana scoffed in mockery.

''Of course, he would not have a child''

''God will never give such person children!''

''How do you feel right now?'' Daya asked sympathetically.

''I feel horrible.'' Ariana replied with a frown, then a sigh.

''I know that bimbo, Kate will be so happy right now.'' She scoffed pointing to the kitchen door.

''I promise if I come across any vacancy for a job, I would contact you.'' Data smiled lightly holding Ariana's hands, rubbing them softly.

''Thanks Daya.''

'' I'll be looking forward to the vacancy.''

''I'm so sorry Ariana.'' Daya apologized, hanging her head low.

'' I shouldn't have assigned you to that table. I just wanted you to get to work quickly so Mr. Geoffrey won't have any chance to give u a query.It's all my fault.''

''No Daya, it's not your fault'' Ariana sighed lifting her chin up and placing her right hand on Daya's shoulder.

''It's the fault of that jerk sitting over there.'' She hissed pointing to the mayor's son.

'' I swear if I ever come across him...I'll make sure I teach him a lesson!''Ariana threatened with gritted teeth.

The two stayed silent for a while looking at the restaurant through the glass window.

''I think you have to go now Daya. The restaurant his getting busier.'' Ariana informed turning to her.

''You are right.'' Daya answered.

''I also have to get going to the fast food restaurant. I have a five-hour shift to run.'' Ariana continued.

''I guess I would let you go then.'' Daya sighed sadly.

''I wish you all the best Ariana'' She continued, sobbed lightly and pulling her into a hug.

''Oh God... Why are u crying Daya?'' Ariana laughed patting Daya's back.Daya sniffed breaking the hug.

''You are being dramatic right now.'' Ariana teased, rolling her eyes.

I wish you all the best Ariana.''

''Thanks, I appreciate it.''

''And stay out of trouble.'' Daya ordered changing her posture immediately. She placed her hand on her waist looking into Ariana's eyes sternly.

''I'd try to.'' Ariana mumbled in reply with a smirk.

''What did you say?!'' Daya frowned.

''I said I'd stay out of trouble.'' Ariana answered giving a sheepish smile.

Daya suddenly heard her name from inside. She sighted from outside Mr. Geoffrey roaming round his restaurant looking for her.

''I've to get back inside. I heard my name just now and it seems Mr.Geoffrey is looking for me.''

'' He's already staring at us.'' Ariana hissed glaring at Mr.Geoffrey through the glass window. Mr. Geoffrey stared back at both of them from inside and sighed with guilt, walking away.

''Okay I'm going in now.''

''Take care of yourself Ariana.'' She spoke giving Ariana another hug, a quick one this time.

''I'll make sure your wage is wired to you.'' Ariana nodded slightly in response and waved at her.

''Bye Daya.''

''Bye Ariana.'' Daya waved back smiling sadly.

''I'll miss you.''

''Yeah right.'' Ariana laughed.

Daya waved once more and ran back to the kitchen. Ariana watched her as she left and took her eyes back to the restaurant.

As she pushed open the heavy gate of the restaurant, her hands trembled. The brisk evening air hit her like a slap. Tears welled up her eyes blurring the neon lights of the city.The realization that she had no idea how she would pay next month's rent or buy groceries for her and her grandmother hit her like a tidal wave. She clutched her jacket tighter around her and headed for her next place of work

Ariana approaches the entrance of the fast food restaurant she works at with purposeful strides. She pulls the front door open and steps inside greeted by the familiar scent of chicken and melted cheese.

''You are here.'' Ariana's co-worker greeted with a wave. Ariana takes a moment to put on her visor, ensuring her hair is tucked neatly beneath and fastens her name tag with a practiced motion.

''Em...Ariana what are doing?'' Her co worker, Gali questioned grabbing a towel to clean her hand. She walks out of the dish washing area towards Ariana.

''What does it look like?'' Ariana replied tapping the visor on her head.

''Well, sorry to break this to you, but you have been assigned to delivery for the afternoon.''

''What? But I'm scheduled for the front counter today. I can't just be assigned for delivery just like that.'' She frowned, crossing her arms.

''Well, you would have to Ariana. James called in sick. We are short-handed.'' Gali insisted,shrugging indifferently at Ariana's complaint.

''That's not my business.You can't just assign me like that without prior noticed.'' She grumbled, placing her hand on her hip, an habit she does when she's pissed.

''Then go question the manager then.''

Ariana scoffed as she watched Gali walk away with sass.

''That good for nothing.'' She hissed. She remove her visor angrily and stormed to the manager's office.

******************************************

Ariana approaches the manager's office and knocks lightly.

''Come in.'' A voice from inside called out.Ariana walks into the manager's office, her frustration palpable.The office wasn't that large but efficient, with a sturdy desk covered in neat stacks of paperwork and a computer.Shelves lined one wall, filled with binders and manuals.A whiteboard with the week's schedule and a bulletin board with memos and motivational posters added a functional touch. The ergonomic chair behind the desk and two simple chairs in front of it suggested this was a place for quick, focused meetings. The faint hum of the computer and the quiet tick of a wall clock were the only sounds as she prepared to voice her complaint.

''Sorry to interrupt you sir, but I have a complaint to make.'' Ariana spoke, crossing her arms at her back.The manager set his papers aside, raising his head to look at her.

''Have a seat then,'' he gestured pointing to the seat in front of him.

''Nope, I'll stand.'' Ariana declined with a straight face. As far as she was concerned, she doesn't even wanna be closer to the manager than she already is.Her and the manager don't get along like that because he can be very bossy, and she despises bossy people.

The manager, Mr.Cole, tilted back in his swivel chair with a frown

''Did she just decline my offer?'' He thought to himself pissed. He became instantly annoyed.

''Well, make it quick... I've a lot if things to do. You only have five minutes.'' Mr.Cole stated. Ariana scoffed inwardly and rolled her eyes.

''I was assigned for delivery without being informed earlier.'' Ariana complained, her irritation visible in her voice.

''And so?'' Mr.Cole questioned flipping through the papers on his table, not looking at her.

''You can't just act indifferently about this.'' She protested, her voice rising in a slight yell. She adjusted her standing position, placed her hand on her hip, tapping her feeds angrily. Mr.Cole looked at her over the top on his glasses and smirked.

''It's like you aren't interested in working again.'' He quipped, playing with his ball pen. Ariana looked away, glaring at the other side of the office.

''I can't just be assigned to another duty without being informed beforehand. I should have been told earlier. And everyone is acting indifferent about it!'' Ariana yelled. Mr.Cole stood up on his feet,grabbed his coat and walked to the door.

''Every order from Gali is from me, and if you disobey them, you are disobeying me.''

''And you know the consequences of disobeying me , right?''He spoke, turning slightly and giving Ariana a sly grin.

''I have somewhere important to be. Your time is ticking Rodriguez. If I hear any complaint due to late delivery then that's a query for you.''

Mr.Cole opened the door and walked out of his office. Ariana rubbed her temples in frustration and let out a slight scream.She was fighting the urge to trash Mr.Cole's office so badly.

''We can't do that.'' Her subconsciousness warned.

''Okay Ariana,'' She murmured to herself

''Breathe in,'' She mumbled,taking as much air as she could.

''Breathe out!''

She paced around the office, her hand placed on her hip, trying to keep her composure.

'' We can't be stupid Ariana.If we do, that's one less job for me, and I'd be toast.'' She continued to murmur.

Suddenly Gali walked in, startling Ariana who was pacing around the office furiously..

''What are you doing Ariana?'' Gali questioned with creased brows,leaning by the door.

''You should have been out about a minute ago.What are you still doing here after the manager left?'' Gali continued, stepping all the way into the room,giving Ariana a suspicious look. Ariana scoffed, walking out of the office in anger and bumped her shoulders hard against Gali's.

''That brat!'' Gali sneered,clenching her fists. Ariana stormed into the break room for the staff, grabbed her bag heavily and slammed the door hard on her way out. She slammed so hard that the customers in the dining area had to turn to check if there was a problem.

''Where is the order I would be delivering, Gali.'' Ariana spoke giving Gali a fake smile, which instantly turned into a frown.

''They are in the delivery room.'' Gali answered not paying attention to her facial expressions. She walked to the dining area, leaving Ariana all to herself.

''I hate her so much, i hate all my bossy co workers and annoying managers... I freaking hate them!'' Ariana murmured, gritting her teeth frustration.

*****************************************

Ariana's patience was wearing thin as she navigated the company's delivery car through the chaotic streets of Los Angeles. The traffic was relentless, and every red light seem to conspire against her. Her baggy shirt clung to her back, drenched in sweat, as the car feeble air-conditioning struggled to offer any relief.

Her phone buzzed with the next address for delivery: 3285 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles. It was an unremarkable part of the town. Ariana rubbed the side of her neck with a sigh of fatigue as she drove to the address.

She looked through the window of the car to confirm if she was at the right place.

''3285 Glendale Boulevard.'' She muttered, checking her phone again for confirmation.She packed the car, took out the boxes of pizza and walked to the gate. She rang the door bell three times before she finally got a response. A girl about her age answered the door.

''Here is your delivery from Leavers pizzeria palace.'' Ariana spoke, handing the boxes of pizza to the girl. She thanked Ariana and closed the door.

****************************************

Ariana slumped on the driver's seat with tiredness as she leaned back on the sear. Her stomach rumbled loud as a result of hunger. She brought out the sandwich her grandmother packed for her in the morning.

'' I need a drink.'' She mumbled to her self, wiping the sweats on her forehead with a napkin. She glanced at her phone for the time and leaned back on the car seat.She has been working for the past 5 hours.

''Two more deliveries to go, and I'm done for the day.'' Ariana thought to her self starting the car and heading to the next address on her phone.

After completing her shift, Ariana finally parked the car in a quite corner of a parking lot close to a convenience store. It was evening and the sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, transitioning to deep blues as the night approached. The city light began to twinkle, and traffic on the streets reduced gradually. Ariana slumped forward, resting his head wearily on the steering wheel, her eyes closed in exhaustion. The aroma of pizzas and burgers still lingered in the car, reminding her of a busy afternoon she had just endured.

She stepped out of the car and walked into the convenience store to get a drink to quench her thirst. She got a five dollar tip from the lat delivery, so she wouldn't worry about spending extra money. She entered the convenience store, her throat parched due to the thirst. Her eyes darted around the brightly lit aisles until she spotted the refrigerator section. She grabbed two bottles of canned drinks, carrying them to the counter for payment.

On stepping outside, she pulled the tab upwards and away from one can in haste,gulping the content down in one go. The cool liquid soothed her dry throat.The empty can crinkled in her hand as she sighed in relief, finally feeling refreshed.

Ariana disposed the can and decided to take a walk. She checked from the entrance of the store to see if the delivery car windows were rolled up. Upon confirming, she stretched her arms and headed down the street.

As Ariana was walking down the street with the other can of drink in her hand, she noticed a boy and a girl about her age at the corner of the street, arguing loudly. Although she couldn't see their faces, she could tell from their expensive outfits and distinctive figures that they were well-to-do. One particular item caught her eye: a white beanie with an exquisite purple design that the guy was wearing. Their argument was intense; Ariana overheard snippets like the guy saying, "You can't do that," and the girl retorting, "I don't have anything to say to you again. Stop stalking me. We'll meet at school tomorrow."

Figuring they were classmates, Ariana decided to mind her own business and continued walking. She soon reached the main road and stood on the sidewalk for a few minutes, watching the cars and vehicles go to and fro. The road was mostly filled with cars, with only a few pedestrians crossing. Lost in her thoughts, Ariana was abruptly jolted by the loud sound of a car screeching. She traced the noise and, to her horror, saw a girl lying on the ground, hit by a car. Recognizing her from her fancy outfit, she realized it was the girl she had seen arguing earlier.

Looking through the car's glass window, Ariana spotted the same fancy beanie on the head of the driver-it was the guy she had been arguing with. The driver quickly reversed and sped off before anyone could catch up to him. Ariana crossed the road, but it was too late to chase the car. She raised alarm, and people from a nearby spot came rushing out. A lot of people started to gather around the girl, and in about three minutes, the police and the ambulance arrived at the scene.