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The diner Hanna works at.

A/N:

This here is my work and can, in no means, be copied or imitated in any shape or form. The characters described are unique to this story. I do not condone or allow any of my work to be used, be it on Wattpad or other social sites.

Thank you and enjoy my book!

S. A. A

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"Hanna! Get out of there now or, so help me, I will break this bloody door down!" Came the bellowing voice from behind the door and I flinched at the loudness of it. She had never been quite this angry before.

Hurriedly, I crept to the door again and looked through the keyhole. From the small hole, I could see the blue silk of her nightgown as it clung to her rounded body. Although it was dark, the glint of her wedding ring could be seen from where her hand was resting on her hip, a clear sign that she was getting impatient.

Another loud knock resonated through the small room and I fell to the grey carpet, my hand clutching my heart hopelessly as I shuffled backwards to lean against the foot of the bed. My black waist-length hair was damp with sweat and I fanned my face in a feeble attempt to calm down. Needless to say, it wasn't working.

Shakingly, I rose to my feet and surveyed my surroundings. The room was mostly dark except for a small section of the bed that was alit by the luminous light of the moon that shone through the small square window.

The window? Could I...?

Any ideas of an escape halted in my mind upon hearing a voice erupt from outside against, but- this time- it was not directed to me, but rather to someone else.

"No, she's not opening up, Rich! Do you think I'd still be bloody stood outside, if that was the case!" The voice came out more shrill this time and my heart thudded violently in my chest at the malice in her voice.

I heard a gruff sigh from the male and I could imagine him running a large hand through his thinning hair. His heavy footsteps trudged towards the door and he turned the handle twice as if he needed to do so to confirm her words. I took a few steps backwards despite knowing that the door was securely locked and that the key was safely nestled in the back pocket of my jeans.

"Right, Debbie, I'll go find the Master Key. It's bound to be somewhere around. Last I saw, it was in the kitchen cupboard. Meanwhile, you try shake her outta there, got it?" He finalised, and with a final twist of the doorknob, I heard his heavy footsteps trudge down the hallway and towards the stairs.

I paced the small length of the room, nervously. What was I going to do? Once they get their hands on me, they won't spare me. I just know it. I had to think of something and I had to think of it fast.

I whimpered as I heard the familiar footsteps come up the stairs, but this time they were much faster. He had found the master key. I sunk helplessly to the floor. Hot tears cascaded down my face and I stared at the door in despair.

How did it get to this point?

3 days earlier....

"Oh my god, yes!" I exclaimed, relief shooting through me. I laughed to myself and eyed the notepad in pride, chewing on the end of the pencil anxiously.

"What are you so happy about, Miss Hanna?" I heard Sue's voice before I saw her as she circled around the corner and entered the small staff room. Her ginger hair was strewn up into a bun and small streaks of blonde could be seen at the roots from where the dye was wearing off. She put the clear mug of coffee she was holding down and wiped her hands on her apron before settling down beside me with a soft smile.

I waved my hand dismissively; a small smile still resting on my face.

"Oh, nothing really, Sue. I was just counting how much days I'd have to work at this dastardly place before I earn enough to buy that apartment, you know. I don't think I can stand Sour Steve anymore, especially since the divorce. He's bullying me now more than ever." I laughed slightly, in a joking manner, but the truth of it was far from a joke. I had been waitressing for about 3 and a half years now and I couldn't wait to drop it. Not to say, the pay wasn't fine. It was enough to get along. But, my heart was itching to do something more than this. I felt I had to. I had my eyes set on a publishing firm in the South side of London- Braxton Publishing. The only problem being finding an affordable place to stay.

I eyed the notepad again before handing it over to Sue who looked through the calculations I had scribbled down so fervently on my notepad. She smiled slightly, making wrinkles appear near her eyes and waved the notepad gently in my face.

"Honey, you realise this notepad is for jotting down orders, right?" She joked, poking my side and I laughed at the mock stern tone she used.

"Who cares about that anymore, Sue? Just a few more weeks and I'm outta here." I exclaimed, pointing towards the door. I let my mind wander to all the infinite opportunities and amazing experiences I could explore in London. I could be free from this job and from my "parents"...

I shook my head dismissively and turned to look at Sue to see a frown settled on her features. She was in her early 40s, handling her 3 children as a single mom and I admired her strength. Despite this, she still listened to my small problems as though they were more severe than her own. Her features were very rounded and soft and she looked at me with a frown on her red puckered lips, a pitiful look in her eyes.

"I hate to break it to you, doll, but your calculations are a tad wrong." She said simply, before handing me back the notepad with a deep sigh.

I grabbed the notepad and read through the calculations vigorously, slowing down sadly when I saw the error. I threw the notepad and pen on the small table in front of me before putting my head in my hands.

"I'm so stupid." I sobbed silently to myself. I was more upset at the fact that I had gotten my hopes up and allowed my mind to wander to a world beyond this hell hole.

Sue hushed me gently before moving closer and taking me into her warm embrace. The rickety sofa creaked slightly under the sudden movement.

"No, you are not stupid, Hanna. You are an amazing, intelligent being and I will whup anyone who tells you otherwise." She said firmly and I laughed into her embrace before remembering my previous plight. I shook my head slightly, moving out of her arms.

"No, I know it's stupid of me to get excited over such things, but I just can't help it. I feel stuck and limited here. I don't know why. Everyone seems as though they belong, even you. I just want to feel that sense of belonging." I rambled pathetically and I cringed when the words fell out of my mouth. Sue nodded sympathetically, putting a hand to rub my back, but the look in her eyes told me she didn't understand.

Ignoring my words, she moved me closer into another embrace before pulling back, a warm smile on her face.

"Look, I know you're excited for this publishing job, but there is plenty of time to pursue that. As of now, just know that you have me to help you tolerate this place. Remember, I'm with you all the way." Her voice was kind and encouraging and I willed myself to listen to her words and nodded.

"You're right. Just another year and a half. You can do this." I muttered to myself, but loud enough for Sue to hear and she slapped my back a little harder than necessary.

"That's the spirit!" She gushed before glancing down at her watch. I smiled that she had still kept it. I had gifted it to her for her last birthday, almost 8 months ago and it still looked brand new. I remembered how she had struggled to keep up with her shift times and how, our manager, Steve would take advantage of this and make her stay for longer than necessary.

There were no clocks in the cafe. 'The Groove' was its name and it held a very vintage and retro look, but not by choice. Steve was very particular with where his money went and chose to leave most of the original old furniture and label it a 'vintage cafe'. He boasted about this 'innovative idea' of his at many a staff meeting. Of course, we all knew it was more of a means to save money, but no one said this.

"It's 12.30 on a Tuesday which means you have a seminar in half an hour, I believe." She said, a smirk on her face as she knew that I had forgotten like always.

I yelped, getting up from the sofa with a loud creak before running over to the cupboard with my bag and coat in it. Sue got up slowly before repeating the same question she always did.

"You know, I could drop you off. I am on my break and it will just take a 10 minute drive." She offered, but I shook my head before draping my coat on. Last time, I had accepted the offer, she had come back late due to the unexpected traffic and received quite the earache from Steve.

She opened her mouth to offer again, but I was already nearing out the door. I shouted a loud 'bye' behind my shoulder before running out of the backroom and through the hustling and bustling of the cafe. It generally was never busy on weekends or holidays. Only on weekdays was it busy because it was close to the University and was very cheap in comparison to the Starbucks that was a block down.

I moved towards the door, but was stopped by a long arm.

"Where do you think you're going?" Came the taunting voice and I rolled my eyes before looking up. Esme stood in front of the door, her brown hair pulled into a tight ponytail. She smiled at me before folding her arms over her black apron. Yes, black apron. Whilst, the rest of us had white aprons, the assistant manager was allowed to dub a black apron to show that she was better than us 'working class' folk.

I plastered a smile on my face, my eyes flitting to the door to see if I could successfully flee through, but I halted in such thoughts when I knew that she would complain to Steve which would inevitably lead to a reduction in my wages. I sighed, knowing I'd have to tolerate hearing another one of her incessant remarks about my 'sad and morose life'

"Esme, hi! I was just getting late to a seminar, so if you excuse me, I'll be seeing you tomorrow." I said in a cut-offish tone before I circled around her. I watched shocked as her dark brown eyes followed mine, a smirk on her face, but no words came out of her mouth.

I shut the door behind me and turned to look at the outside surroundings. The sky was a dark and gloomy grey and the flapping of birds could be heard from above. I watched, fascinated, as a sharp wind blew the naked branches of the trees as they danced from left to right. Looking around, people were running to and fro, their bodies shaking from the cold. I glanced at the crowd of furry coats, striped scarves and bobble hats. It was January and, with the excitement of Christmas and New Years over, people had begun to realise that winter was truly the worst season of all. Well, everyone, except for me.

I marvelled and revelled in such weather, feeling the adrenaline course through my veins as the wind picked up speed. I imagined it carrying me away into the never-ending skies to worlds unknown. I looked to the moon that lay aimlessly in the parting of the clouds. In the night, it functioned as a source of light for those who needed it. Heck, even in folklore was it used as a tool for werewolf transformation. But, in the morning, what became of the moon? Sure, it was still there as it looked down at the people strewn across the lands, feeling envious. These people had a purpose, day and night. They had somewhere to go and something to do. I sighed, understanding it's plight. For my importance amounted to just that- the moon in the day.

I came back to reality when I felt the push of the crowd as they hurried across the street. Underneath their coats, I could see ties and dress shirts.

Right. 12.30 is probably lunch break.

I gathered my thoughts and walked across the street. I was always a daydreamer; when I was back at school, all the kids would call me 'Hazy Hanna'. I laughed at the accuracy of the nickname. I had often been called to detention or gotten into sticky situations because of this habit. But, try as I might, I just couldn't help shake it. My mind was my favourite place and, with it, I travelled to new and exciting places whenever I could. My favourite time was the night that was occupied with dream after dream.

I vaguely remember soaring through the skies at unbelievable speeds, tearing clouds in my wake and laughing as it vanished into my embrace. I had been close enough to touch the stars and just when I could, I'd be hurtled back into the blue rivers below.

Yes, such dreams had left me deprived of sleep, but they were all I looked forward to, so I felt happiness in their presence. Sue had often told me I was putting too much on my plate, but I had dismissed her words. Such a schedule was needed to achieve my dream career.

I panted slightly upon reaching the building and made my way to the stairs. I was studying English Literature as a course and it did take quite the studying session to maintain my grades. Thankfully, the studying had paid off and my grades were looking good. Good but not great. I sighed, feeling grateful that I only had 5 months of University left, so I could definitely catch up on sleep after. That is, if Debra allowed it.

"Hey, Hanna, wait up!"

I turned and offered a small smile as I waited at the top of the stairs. I watched as her petite figure jumped up the stairs and came to a halt in front of me, a folder in her hands and a confused look on her face.

"What's up, Hanna? I thought we were on for a study sesh at the library?" She asked, putting a stray blonde hair behind her ear.

I sighed as we both advanced up the stairs and towards the classroom.

"I'm so sorry, Marie. Esme complained to Sour Steve that I didn't clean the dishes properly, so he told me I had to come in today or he won't pay me this week." I explained, remembering how angry I had felt at the accusation. I had spent 45 minutes trying to make sure those plates were spotless, but Steve was obviously gonna believe Esme over me. She'd been a kiss-up since the day she started. She had started after me, but now she was in charge of me. I didn't know why she was after me, in particular, but I think it had something to do with the fact that I was given the role to mentor her when she started and, needless to say, I was very critical. But, I was helpless. She couldn't even do a single thing. She dropped plates, got orders wrong and forgot to put the open sign up. The only thing she was good at was sucking up to Steve whenever he came around. Steve had suddenly taken a liking to her and that was that. She was promoted to assistant manager, which was good in a way because it meant that her role was to boss us around, the only thing she was good at.

Marie tutted as we reached our seats. She rummaged through her folder that she was holding before yanking out papers and jutting it out towards me.

"I knew it. That is why I took the liberty of completing the creative writing essay for you too. I knew, you'd probably forget or not get time for it, so here." She said warmly, before pulling out her own and looking towards the front.

I smiled in thanks, before apologising.

"I meant to do it, really. But, Debra wanted me to cook and Richard needed his car cleaned. Plus, you know Esme's out to get me fired and I really don't need that." I rambled, but Marie stopped me in my tracks with a wave of her hand, a glint of annoyance in her blue eyes.

"Hey, don't worry about it, Hanna. But, the fact that you listen to them twits over and over is what irks me. They treat you like a servant and I don't like it one bit." She repeated the same thing that she had been telling me for 3 years yet again and I smiled at her words.

"I know, but it's not a big deal or anything. I can bear it." I said, reassuring myself more so that her and, I think, she knew that. She sighed heavily before looking at me with those blue orbs of hers.

"I get it, Hanna, but remember, they didn't do you a favour by adopting you and don't let them tell you that. It's not right." She said, placing her hand over mine.

I smiled at the gesture. Marie had been my friend for the 3 years that I attended this University. I hadn't been able to make a lot of friends because I was always busy at home and in the cafe, so I didn't have the time. Despite this, Marie stuck with me and- after a few months- I explained my whole family situation. She had been angry at first, but I calmed her down.

Marie had a very cool laid-back nature and didn't see the need to divulge in the social side of University like clubs and I envied that. She had the opportunity to go to parties, join clubs and do something more, but she dismissed it as a 'bore'. She was two years older than me at 22 and attended University late in order to go to her homeland, Brazil, and spend time on her family business. Both her parents were there and, after graduating, Marie would go back and join the family business. She explained that the only reason for getting a degree was because her parents had convinced her to as it would be a great tool, if the family business were to fail. Of course, this was probably not likely as her family ran a very successful cement and oil business in the south side of Porto Alegre.

The fact that she would leave saddened me, but I consoled myself, thinking about the busy city of London where I wished to work. All the more, Marie seemed so content in leaving that I was happy in watching her pursue her dreams. I felt slightly jealous seeing how set her future was. She seemed so sure of herself and what she wanted to do.

I wish I felt the same way.

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"So, the creative writing task I had given you was to write about something that was important to you and it was just a way to make you guys exercise your brains." Miss. Samuels explained with a smile, but I couldn't help yawn. Yesterday, I had only slept for 2 hours because of the dreams. Marie side-eyed me, a knowing smile on her face.

She had told me I needed help with these dreams because they were tiring me out, but I had refused, stating that I would when I got the time. Marie basically knew that meant never.

"So, I'd like to ask Hanna Aset if she could come up and read a paragraph from her work." Miss. Samuels words hit my ears and I gulped at the two dozen pairs of eyes that looked over in my direction. Marie nudged me and I stood up abruptly, making my way over to the front.

I watched nervously at the eyes that stared at me and felt a pang of paranoia. Were they laughing at me or was there something on my face? I tugged at the hem of my top nervously. Surely, I wasn't wearing anything too weird. I eyed my clothes warily. The burgundy oversized sweater I was wearing wasn't stained and was appropriate, given the weather. The black jeans I was wearing were not stained either and there was no toilet paper stuck to the black vans I was wearing. Nevertheless, I still had the aching feeling that they were talking about me. Marie had reassured me that I was overthinking it and a part of me knew that, but I couldn't stop my brain and it's train of thoughts.

I looked to Miss Samuels as she urged me to carry on. I smiled before glancing at the papers with shaky hands. I grimaced at the title.

Why William Normandy winning the Battle of Hastings was important to me

Seriously? I